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MP: Events in Yekaterinburg are a clear case of ethnic violence

Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament Fatma Yildirim

30 June 2025 11:20 (UTC +04:00)

"The events in Yekaterinburg, which resulted in the deaths of two Azerbaijanis, are not merely criminal acts, but a blatant example of systemic discrimination, Islamophobia, and ethnic violence," Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament Fatma Yildirim told APA.

The MP said the tragedy is an open attack on national identity and a deliberately orchestrated crime against Azerbaijanis: “The details of the incident suggest that it was a targeted act. The torture inflicted on our compatriots, legal violations, and the media campaign confirm this. Today, Russia is pursuing a chauvinistic and intolerant policy against non-Russians, particularly Muslims. Against the backdrop of a shortage of war resources, mechanisms of false accusations, pressure, and blackmail are being deployed against Azerbaijani migrants. This is behavior that does not align with humanitarian principles.”

Fatma Yildirim emphasized that Azerbaijan is taking a clear stance on what happened: “Because this is not just a legal matter — it’s a matter of national dignity, statehood, and civic solidarity. Behind us stands the will of the people and the leader they have chosen. President Ilham Aliyev has repeatedly stated that every Azerbaijani, regardless of where they live, is under the protection of the state. This is not just a statement — it is a state guarantee. Our compatriots who lost their lives in Yekaterinburg were also under this protection.”

The MP added that recent developments — including cyberattacks by Russia, the denial of entry to Azerbaijani MPs, pressure on migrants, and rising Islamophobic rhetoric — are alarming trends: “The statements of figures like Solovyov are a reflection of the Kremlin's hostile policy in the media. Russia is trying to mask its internal crises by creating an external enemy. Unfortunately, the South Caucasus could be the next target of this agenda. The rise of revanchist forces in Armenia is also part of this scenario. However, Azerbaijan is a strong state that counters these attempts and guarantees peace and stability. Today, President Ilham Aliyev is not only the leader of our country but also of all Azerbaijanis around the world. His political resolve unites us around our national interests. Our state will use all available means to protect the rights of our compatriots.”