YEKATERINBURG, Russia — Authorities in Azerbaijan are investigating a troubling case involving the deaths of two Azerbaijani citizens under allegations of torture and deliberate killing. The Prosecutor General’s Office provided details during a briefing on Wednesday, shedding light on the incidents that occurred last month.
Nemat Avazov, the head of the investigation department, reported that Huseyn Safarov, aged 56, died on June 27 in an internal affairs agency building in Yekaterinburg. His body exhibited multiple injuries at the time of his death around 3 p.m. Just hours earlier, his brother, 53-year-old Ziyaddin Safarov, succumbed to injuries while being transported in a service vehicle belonging to local authorities.
In the wake of these deaths, the Azerbaijani government has taken immediate action. Avazov revealed that on June 30, both bodies were repatriated to Baku for forensic examination, a crucial step in determining the exact causes of death. Preliminary medical evaluations indicated that Ziyaddin Safarov’s death was attributed to post-traumatic shock due to his injuries. Meanwhile, Huseyn Safarov’s demise was linked to both post-traumatic and post-hemorrhagic shock stemming from similar circumstances.
These revelations have heightened tensions, prompting calls for accountability and justice from various sectors within Azerbaijan. Advocacy groups and citizens are demanding a thorough investigation into the treatment of Azerbaijani nationals abroad, particularly in Russia, where ethnic tensions have occasionally flared.
While the Azerbaijani government has expressed outrage over the reported conditions of the Safarov brothers, the Russian authorities have yet to comment publicly on the incident. This lack of transparency has raised questions about how the case will be handled and whether it will lead to any disciplinary actions or reforms within law enforcement agencies.
As the investigation unfolds, the families of the deceased and their supporters are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for justice and a clear resolution. The tragic deaths of Huseyn and Ziyaddin Safarov bring to light the harsh realities faced by individuals navigating complex geopolitical landscapes, urging a reflection on human rights and the treatment of ethnic minorities.