Six Azerbaijanis detained in Yekaterinburg over early 2000s case

Russian courts have imposed detention measures on six Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg in connection with a case dating back to the early 2000s, amid reports of injuries and allegations of coerced confessions.

On June 27, a court process began concerning nine Azerbaijanis detained with the use of force in Yekaterinburg, suspected in connection with a crime from the early 2000s. According to AZERTAC, special forces raided more than ten residences of Azerbaijanis that morning, leading to several arrests, including members of the Safarov family from Aghdam. During the operation, two brothers, Ziyaddin and Huseyn Safarov, were killed, and several others were hospitalised.

The court proceedings are being held behind closed doors following a request from the prosecution, resulting in journalists being removed from the courtroom. Each detainee’s preventive measure is being considered separately.

On June 27, the Lenin District Court imposed a 22-day detention measure on Mazahir Safarov, who, along with several others, is accused of contract killings. Azerbaijan’s acting Consul General in Yekaterinburg, Shohrat Mustafayev, and Shahin Shikhlinski, head of the “Azerbaijan-Ural” public organisation, attended the court session.

Later in the day, another Azerbaijani, Akif Safarov, born in 1963, was also given a 22-day detention measure. Preliminary reports indicate he is the director of the “Kaspiy” café in Yekaterinburg and is married with adult children. Video footage broadcast by local media showed visible injury marks on his face.

Ayaz Safarov, the third Azerbaijani detained, received a similar 22-day detention ruling. Shortly afterwards, Shahin Lalayev was ordered to be detained for three days, followed by Ahliman Ganjiyev, whose lawyer told journalists that his client is barely able to move. The defence is working to ensure justice is served.

Finally, Bakir Safarov was also ordered detained for 72 hours, according to the latest court decision. The state prosecutor declined to comment on the detentions.

Some detainees, including Mazahir Safarov, have alleged that confessions were obtained through force, threats, and coercion, including pressure on family members. The hearings continue as remaining detention measures are reviewed.

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