Russians were tortured in Baku. In Russia, an Azerbaijani businessman was arrested

If you live in one of the post-Soviet countries, you would most likely assume that the situation in the video above took place in Russia. Naturally, if you are unaware of the events that occurred yesterday, June 1, it would not be surprising to think that the security forces in the footage were Russian OMON and the individuals being tortured were Uzbek, Tajik, or Kyrgyz migrants. But this time, that is not the case. These are Azerbaijani law enforcement officers, and those being tortured by them are Russians arrested on charges of drug trafficking. Indeed, making historic shifts within post-Soviet countries and addressing the former occupier with strong political will is something that, so far, only Azerbaijan has dared to do.

The two countries have been in a sharp conflict for three days, following the outbreak of ethnic violence in Russia against Azerbaijanis. As is known, the main catalyst for this was the case of the Safarov brothers, who were killed by riot police in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg. The Russian authorities handed over their bodies to their families. Soon after, new details began to emerge. Azerbaijani officials stated that a second forensic examination contradicted the conclusions of the Russian side. While Russian experts cited the cause of death as heart failure, Azerbaijani specialists found widespread injuries on the bodies. This indicates that the brothers were tortured by Russian security forces. In short, they were beaten to death.

Ziyoddin and Husayn Safarov sustained multiple injuries: a broken nose, deformed chest, hematomas, and bruises. According to Azerbaijani experts, Ziyoddin Safarov died from "traumatic shock caused by multiple injuries," while his brother Husayn died of "traumatic and hemorrhagic shock"—in other words, from severe blood loss. Yet, the Russian side has shown no remorse. On the contrary, it has labeled Azerbaijan’s reaction as inappropriate, accusing it of interfering in Russia’s internal affairs. A plain translation of the Kremlin's cold and dismissive stance would be: "I am an imperial occupier. If you don’t like it, too bad." It is no secret that several Central Asian countries, including Uzbekistan, have experienced similar treatment over the years. But Azerbaijan is now making it clear that it will no longer tolerate Russian chauvinism.

                                                Russia: Release
                                               Azerbaijan: Never

Following the arrest of editors from the Azerbaijani publication "Sputnik Azerbaijan", Russia demanded their immediate release. The Azerbaijani ambassador to Russia, Rakhmon Mustafayev, was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry and handed a verbal note. The note reportedly demanded the immediate release of the detained Russian journalists. However, Azerbaijan responded firmly and unapologetically. Official Baku dismissed the Russian note outright. Local media, citing the Azerbaijani Ministry of Internal Affairs, reported that a criminal case had been initiated against the "Sputnik Azerbaijan" editors and two individuals suspected of being FSB agents operating in Baku.

The Azerbaijani Interior Ministry has detained seven individuals following a raid on "Sputnik Azerbaijan". Reports indicate that the detainees could face charges under Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, including fraud, illegal entrepreneurship, and laundering property obtained through criminal means. Kartavikh and Belousov, who allegedly conducted espionage under the guise of journalism, will reportedly remain in custody for another four months. The investigation into the case is ongoing.

                              Russians were forced to crawl in Baku

On July 1, several more Russian citizens were detained in Baku, Azerbaijan. They are suspected of being involved in two criminal groups. According to official data, they are accused of drug trafficking through Iran, conducting online sales, and committing cyber fraud. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Internal Affairs also announced the dismantling of two criminal groups and confirmed that Russian citizens were among their members. As noted above, these groups are reportedly involved in drug trafficking and cybercrime.

However, this is not the main point. What is particularly noteworthy is that the arrest of these Russians was actively covered by Azerbaijani local media. Videos recorded during the operation showed the suspects being led away with their hands tied, lying on the ground, some with blood on their faces. They were forced to walk in chains; some were even dragged away. Do these images not resemble the scenes we often see in an aggressor state, where Uzbeks, Tajiks, Kyrgyz, and other nationals are subjected to similar treatment?

                                                Russia is not correcting its mistake

Amid Baku's strong response, raids against Azerbaijanis in the Russian city of Yekaterinburg have intensified once again. This time, Russia’s notorious security forces targeted respected and affluent members of the Azerbaijani diaspora. In particular, Shahin Shikhlinsky, head of the Azerbaijani diaspora, was arrested. The operation to detain Shikhlinsky was conducted in front of the Baku Plaza shopping center. His son, Mutvala Shikhlinsky, was also detained. At the time of arrest, the father and son were sitting in their Gelandewagen. Video footage shows officers breaking the vehicle's window and pulling the elderly Shikhlinsky out, forcing him face down on the ground.

In addition to Shikhlinsky, a well-known Azerbaijani businessman, Yusuf Khalilov, was also detained. In Voronezh, Russian security forces raided Khalilov’s home to arrest him. The raid resembled a robbery, as captured in the footage. Officers arrived at his house, climbed a ladder over the wall, and entered by unlocking the door from the inside. During the search, Khalilov was found inside, laid face down on the ground, and interrogated. Most disturbingly, Khalilov’s personal phone—something that typically requires special legal authorization to access—was seized. He was forced to provide his access code, and his SMS messages and recent call logs were reviewed. This alone reflects how Russian law enforcement operates—and what "law" means to them. But for a system that has already beaten two brothers to death, breaking into someone’s home and invading their privacy is hardly surprising.

Returning to Shikhlinsky, reports indicate he was detained to testify in the case related to the deaths of the Safarov brothers. According to his son, Shikhlinsky was initially released but was shortly taken to the Investigative Committee. It is suspected that he and other Azerbaijani diaspora members were expected to testify during the investigation. However, Shahin Shikhlinsky was released later that night and returned to his family. Russia may now realize that Azerbaijan is capable of speaking in any language—including the language of retaliation—and that Baku is prepared to respond firmly to any form of disrespect, even while maintaining mutual respect and diplomacy.

                                              A lesson to be learned

The current level of tension between Azerbaijan and Russia is no less severe than it was during the plane crash last December. Yet, this time, the leaders of both states remain silent. So far, all exchanges and debates have taken place between the foreign ministries, law enforcement agencies, online media, television channels, and public activists. Putin and Aliyev continue to remain on the sidelines. President Aliyev, in particular, has not been as publicly active as he was during last year's crisis. Meanwhile, President Putin was reportedly speaking on the phone with Macron as the current situation escalated. It is also possible that Aliyev is currently preoccupied with preparations for the visit of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. For now, these developments may not seem significant. Perhaps soon, relations will return to normal—Putin will send birthday congratulations to Mehriban Aliyeva, as usual, and Aliyev will again be a guest at Putin’s residence.

Still, the past few days have offered valuable lessons. From Azerbaijan’s recent actions, one could learn the importance of responding in kind to those who understand only the language of force; of standing up to a state that abuses its power and mistreats its citizens; of refusing to allow humiliation of one’s people, whether they are temporary residents or diaspora members; and of staying firm in the face of injustice. In short, it teaches us not to offer the other cheek to an oppressor who has already delivered a blow.