By delreport
“A few days ago, the brutal violence carried out by special OMON units of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs against Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg shed light on many aspects. First of all, this is a clear and official manifestation of Russian fascism, which has been deepening systematically for several years. Moreover, this incident is not merely criminal in nature. We believe it is an act of ideological violence, carried out based on ethnic and racial hatred, and supported by the state.”
This was stated by Nadir Ismayilov, Chairman of the “Central Asia and South Caucasus Freedom of Speech Network” Public Union.
He noted that the Russian OMON raided not only the Safarovs’ homes in Yekaterinburg but also the café they owned: “This was reported by Elgiz Safarov, who was subjected to the raid and torture by Russian law enforcement in Yekaterinburg. The acts of brutality committed both during the home raid and in the café clearly show that OMON’s violence against Azerbaijanis carries the spirit of the unparalleled crimes committed by Armenians against our people in Khojaly. In other words, the events in Yekaterinburg are by no means accidental. Everyone should be aware of this. This is a declaration of intent! The fact that in the 21st century, a person is beaten, insulted, forced to eat mud, and even beaten into cooking kebab for his tormentors because of his national identity shows just how extreme and merciless Russian fascism has become.”
Ismayilov further said: “As we can see, this reminds us of the terrible genocide committed by Armenian armed forces in Khojaly in 1992. There too, Azerbaijani Turks were targeted solely for their ethnicity – babies were bayoneted, women’s breasts were cut off, severed breasts were stuffed into infants’ mouths, and bodies were mutilated. Today, the humiliating and inhumane treatment of Azerbaijanis by OMON in Yekaterinburg is a continuation of the same mindset – a systematic hatred toward Azerbaijanis and, more broadly, toward Turks. The only difference is that this time the perpetrators are not Armenian militants, but Russian OMON forces! Instead of firearms, rubber batons and other brutal methods are used! This parallel is no coincidence. It is the ideological brotherhood of Russian fascism and Armenian chauvinism, both fed from the same source and directed against Turkic peoples. To elaborate, the brutality of OMON forces in Yekaterinburg against Azerbaijanis is indeed a new form of the atrocities committed by Armenians in Khojaly.”
Nadir Ismayilov went on to say: “What we’ve described is Russia’s deliberate and bloody intention. Moreover, it is a state-level desire. But now, what matters more than what Russia wants is the stance of the Azerbaijani state and people. Our state’s position is clear. The firm stance taken in response to the AZAL terror attack once again proves this. Regarding the Yekaterinburg brutality, the Russian government’s responsibility has been brought to the attention of the Kremlin. All steps are being taken in accordance with international law. At the same time, following the cruel killing of our compatriots during the operations carried out by Russian law enforcement against Azerbaijanis in Yekaterinburg, the planned visit of Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexei Overchuk to Azerbaijan at the end of June has been canceled. The Azerbaijani government sees no significance in the visit of Overchuk or any other Russian official under the current circumstances. Other important and commendable measures have been taken and continue to be taken. Yes, as can be seen, the powerful Azerbaijani state once again stands by every Azerbaijani. What is expected from us, as always, is to demonstrate unity, come together like a fist, and stand with our state and President Ilham Aliyev. Because strength lies in unity!”
