Images from the court in Baku reveal signs of physical abuse on detained Russians
In a recent development, Azerbaijani authorities have arrested several Russian nationals, suspected of being members of two organized crime groups involved in drug smuggling from Iran and cybercrimes. The arrests, which took place on July 1, have sparked concerns about the treatment of the suspects, as photographs from a court session in the Sabail District Court show some of the accused with bruises and scratches on their faces, including one with a bloody head wound.
The Azerbaijani Interior Ministry has confirmed the arrests, describing the suspects as members of organized crime groups. However, official statements from the ministry do not explicitly address the allegations of assault or the visible injuries of the suspects.
This incident comes amid rising tensions between Russia and Azerbaijan, following the deaths of two Azerbaijani men in police custody in Yekaterinburg, Russia. In response, Azerbaijani authorities have taken several retaliatory measures, including raids on the Sputnik Azerbaijan office and detentions of Russian journalists, further intensifying the diplomatic crisis.
For those interested in staying informed about this developing story and other significant events in Russia and worldwide, the Telegram channel of Azerbaijani outlet Minval is available for news updates. Subscribing to the site or its Telegram channel will provide the latest news first.
As the court considers the issue of choosing a preventive measure for the detainees, the allegations of assault on the Russian suspects remain a matter of concern. The visible injuries of the detainees and the diplomatic escalation suggest that the issue is highly sensitive and under scrutiny.
[Sources: 1] Telegram channel of Minval (photographs of the assaulted individuals published on July 1) [2] Azerbaijani Interior Ministry statements [3] BBC News (diplomatic crisis) [4] Reuters (raids on Sputnik Azerbaijan office and detentions of Russian journalists)
The Azerbaijani Interior Ministry's confirmation of the arrests of Russian suspects has been met with concerns over allegations of assault and visible injuries. The ongoing diplomatic crisis between Russia and Azerbaijan further intensifies the scrutiny of these incidents.
