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Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg denies any link to Vidadi Mustafayev

03 September 2025 13:48 (UTC +04:00)

Reports have circulated in the Russian media claiming that Vidadi Mustafayev has been elected as the new head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg, APA reports.

According to information published on September 1, Mustafayev was allegedly chosen to lead the community.

However, sources close to the State Committee for Work with Diaspora in Azerbaijan told APA that Vidadi Mustafayev has no connection to the Azerbaijani diaspora. He was reportedly appointed “head” of an unspecified organization by an unknown group. There are also reports that Mustafayev has faced legal proceedings several times for economic crimes.

As is known, diaspora activities are voluntary in nature. Contributing to the development of relations between the homeland and the country of residence, and operating in accordance with the legislation of those countries, are among the core functions of a diaspora. Today, the successful work of the Azerbaijani diaspora in every field is evident.

The Azerbaijan-Ural Public National-Cultural Organization, led by Shahin Shikhlinski, the head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg, has always operated in compliance with Russian legislation.

Unfortunately, the activities of some of our compatriots undermine the concepts of diaspora and unity.

The "election" of an individual named Vidadi Mustafayev as the "leader" of an unspecified organization by an unknown group, and the dissemination of such information, aims to disrupt the unity of the Azerbaijani diaspora and create confusion among community members.

Note that Shahin Shikhlinski, the head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg, was arrested in August of this year.

According to preliminary information, Shahin Shikhlinski is accused of involvement in an attempted murder and of using violence against a government representative.

Additionally, Shahin Shikhlinski's son, Mutvali Shikhlinski, is currently under arrest. He is charged with using non-life-threatening violence against a government representative.

The investigation into both individuals is ongoing.