State Duma labels Baku`s response to detentions in Russia `hypertrophied`
The Russian State Duma has issued a response regarding the statement from Azerbaijan`s Ministry of Culture. The ministry announced the cancellation of all cultural events with Russia, including concerts, festivals, performances, and exhibitions organized by both state and private Russian institutions. This measure was taken following the detention of Azerbaijani citizens in Yekaterinburg.
Earlier, reports circulated in Azerbaijani media claiming that two brothers named Safarov died during the detention incident and eight other individuals suffered physical injuries. In contrast, the Investigative Committee of the Russian Federation stated that those apprehended in Yekaterinburg were members of a criminal organization linked to past murder cases.
A representative from the State Duma Committee on CIS Affairs commented in an interview with the `Lenta.ru` portal, observing that “Azerbaijan has long pursued a specific direction that we have tended to disregard.”
The deputy expressed no surprise at the developments. He suggested that any given pretext is “exaggerated, and it`s all presented as malevolence on Russia`s behalf.” The State Duma representative also pointed out that voices in Baku are advocating for a re-evaluation of relations with Russia.
