Baku: A member of the Safarov family has raised serious allegations against Russian authorities, claiming systematic discrimination and persecution of ethnic minorities. The statement comes amid ongoing concerns over the treatment of ethnic Azerbaijanis and other minorities in Russia.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Seyfaddin Huseynli, also known as Seyfaddin Safarov, has expressed grave concerns for his brother Bakir Safarov's safety, who has been detained in Russia for months without legal justification. Huseynli recounted the tragic events of June last year, known as the 'Yekaterinburg events,' where two of his brothers, Ziyaddin and Huseyn Safarov, were allegedly killed by Russian law enforcement. He described the acts as part of a broader pattern of ethnic intolerance and persecution against Azerbaijanis.

Huseynli highlighted the lack of accountability for Russian law enforcement officials involved in the violence against his family and other Azerbaijani diaspora members. He pointed out that some officers were even awarded high state honors, including police colonel Ibrahim Abdulqadirov, who was recognized with Russia's second-degree 'Order for Merit to the Fatherland.'

Furthermore, Huseynli criticized the handling of an incident involving Russian servicemen firing missiles at an AZAL civilian aircraft, noting that no one has been held accountable. He called for international attention to the discrimination faced by ethnic minorities in Russia, urging civil society to actively engage in addressing these issues.

Huseynli, who founded the 'Center for Cultural and Ethnic Diversity' Public Union in Baku, stated that he would continue advocating for the rights of ethnic minorities such as Lezgins, Talysh, and Circassians in Russia. He emphasized Azerbaijan's model of intercultural dialogue and condemned slanderous portrayals of Azerbaijan by certain Russian think tanks and media.

In closing, Huseynli asserted his commitment to cooperating with progressive organizations in Russia that support ethnic and cultural diversity. He expressed hope that intellect and wisdom would prevail over the use of ethnic groups as political instruments, which he described as a disrespectful act by Russian authorities towards their own citizens.