Bodies of two Azerbaijanis killed in Russian raid repatriated to Baku

Two Azerbaijani brothers killed in a Russian security raid in Yekaterinburg are being returned home, sparking outrage and urgent calls for justice amid allegations of abuse and ethnic profiling.

The bodies of Huseyn and Ziyaddin Safarov, Azerbaijani nationals killed during a Russian security raid in Yekaterinburg, are being repatriated to Azerbaijan on Monday (30 June). Their remains are expected to arrive at Baku airport at 20:30 local time, according to their brother Seyfaddin Huseynli.

On Friday (27 June), Russia’s Federal Security Service raided homes of Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg, killing two men and detaining several others. At least nine people were arrested, with reports indicating more than 60 Azerbaijanis were held. A released detainee reported physical abuse, humiliation, and unlawful seizure of valuables.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry condemned the operation as brutal and unjustified, summoning the Russian chargé d’affaires in Baku for a formal protest. Officials demanded an immediate, transparent investigation, calling the killings “unacceptable” and expressing concern over ethnic profiling and excessive force.

Russian authorities claimed the raids related to a wider investigation but gave no details on the deaths or force used. Azerbaijan calls for full accountability and protection of its citizens in Russia.

Copied