Baku expressed protest to Russia over the detention of Azerbaijanis.

All Russian cultural events have been canceled in Azerbaijan due to the violence and murders of Azerbaijanis in Russia. The cancellation applies to concerts, festivals, performances, and other events scheduled to take place in the country. Citizens who purchased tickets can return them through the relevant points of sale or online platforms.

«Considering the demonstrative targeted and extrajudicial killings and acts of violence committed by law enforcement agencies of Russia against Azerbaijanis on ethnic grounds in Yekaterinburg, and in light of the fact that similar cases have recently become systematic, cultural events, including concerts, festivals, performances, etc., planned to be held in Azerbaijan by state and private institutions of Russia are canceled»

There have also been sweeps in Russia against citizens of Azerbaijan, during which suspects in a murder that occurred in 2001 were detained. One of the main suspects died of a heart attack when law enforcement officers arrived to him.

Raids and worsening relations between Russia and Azerbaijan

According to Russian law enforcement, the raids were conducted as part of the investigation of criminal cases from past years. The number of detainees currently remains unknown. As a result of the conflict between Russia and Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani side decided to cancel all cultural events presented by Russian institutions in Azerbaijan due to the persecution and violence faced by Azerbaijanis in Russia. This indicates a deterioration of relations and serious issues in inter-ethnic relations.

The conflict between Russia and Azerbaijan, as well as the cancellation of all Russian cultural events in the second country, is a consequence of a series of violent events and the exacerbation of relations between the states. The situation confirms the instability and conflict that exists in the relations between Russians and Azerbaijanis regarding ethnic issues.