Yekaterinburg: Reports have surfaced in Russian media suggesting that Vidadi Mustafayev has been elected as the new head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg. These claims have been questioned by local Azerbaijani community members.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, information published on September 1 claimed that Mustafayev was chosen to lead the Azerbaijani community. However, sources close to the State Committee for Work with Diaspora in Azerbaijan clarified that Mustafayev has no affiliation with the Azerbaijani diaspora. He was reportedly made ‘head’ of an unidentified organization by an obscure group. Additionally, Mustafayev has been involved in legal proceedings for economic crimes.

Diaspora activities are known to be voluntary, focusing on fostering relationships between the homeland and the host country while adhering to local laws. The Azerbaijani diaspora has been recognized for its effective contributions across various fields. The Azerbaijan-Ural Public National-Cultural Organization, led by Shahin Shikhlinski, has been commended for its adherence to Russian legislation.

However, the actions of certain individuals have been noted to undermine the integrity of the diaspora. The purported selection of Vidadi Mustafayev as the leader of an unspecified organization by an unknown group appears to be an attempt to create confusion within the community.

It is important to note that Shahin Shikhlinski, the current head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Yekaterinburg, was arrested in August. Preliminary reports accuse him of involvement in an attempted murder and using violence against a government representative. His son, Mutvali Shikhlinski, is also under arrest, facing charges of using non-life-threatening violence against a government official. The investigation into these allegations is still ongoing.