Yekaterinburg events are clear examples of ethnic discrimination
Baku, June 30, AZERTAC
Russia has historically been dominated by chauvinistic attitudes toward other peoples, with discrimination being a widespread practice. It appears that open pressure against Muslim peoples, both those living in or visiting Russia, has now begun, signaling the deliberate stoking of Islamophobia in the country, according to Academician Ahliman Amiraslanov, Chairman of the Healthcare Committee of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis.
He noted that recent events in Russia are clear examples of chauvinism, discrimination, and ethnic prejudice. The incidents in Yekaterinburg, in particular, demonstrate that these processes are deliberately orchestrated. Facing a severe manpower shortage in its ongoing war, Russian authorities are resorting to various methods of pressure, blackmail, and coercion to send migrants to the front lines. Migrants are threatened with drug-related charges, accusations of crimes they did not commit, and harm to their family members, forcing them to join the war. Promised compensations are either not provided or are deceptive, and those who return from combat face renewed pressure and blackmail, being coerced into redeployment.
According to Amiraslanov, not only migrants but also non-Russian ethnic minorities with Russian citizenship are victims of such persecution and pressure due to their national identity. These incidents are not limited to Yekaterinburg but span nearly all regions of Russia. Historically, Russia has never fully accepted Azerbaijan’s sovereignty. Moscow’s overt and indirect support for events such as the January 20 tragedy, the Khojaly genocide, the occupation of Azerbaijani territories, and their 30-year control is undeniable. Today, Russia’s pressures on Azerbaijan’s strategic decisions and international independence, coupled with information and cyberattacks, as well as the gross violation of Azerbaijani citizens’ rights on Russian territory, are a continuation of this policy.
“The recent denial of entry to Azerbaijani deputies invited to an event in Astrakhan is a clear example of Russia’s hostile stance toward Azerbaijan. The detention of Azerbaijanis in Russia without justification is a serious violation of both international law and human rights. This is not only directed at Azerbaijani citizens but is part of a broader policy of pressure against regional peoples. The consistent detention of Azerbaijani citizens in Yekaterinburg, coupled with the lack of transparent information provided to the public, further demonstrates official Moscow’s aggressive and disrespectful attitude toward other nations. These events have transcended Russia’s domestic affairs. The European and global communities must adopt a firmer and more principled stance against such violations and not remain indifferent to the infringement of other peoples’ rights. Crimes committed by Russian state bodies on ethnic grounds must be brought to the agenda of the UN and other international organizations, and this violence must be duly addressed within the framework of international law. Otherwise, the prevailing atmosphere of impunity could lead to even greater humanitarian catastrophes in the region,” Amiraslanov emphasized.
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