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Russian journalist gets released from Azerbaijan
(MENAFN) A Russian journalist detained in Azerbaijan earlier this year has been released and flown back to Moscow, the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed on Sunday.
Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s spokeswoman, stated that Igor Kartavykh, editor-in-chief of the Sputnik Azerbaijan news agency, had boarded a flight to Russia after being cleared to leave the country. Kartavykh was initially detained in June following a police raid on Sputnik’s Baku office. Azerbaijani authorities charged him with fraud and illegal business activity, allegations that the media outlet described as “absurd.”
Zakharova noted that Russian diplomats remained in constant contact with Azerbaijani officials during the case. Prior to his release, Kartavykh had been placed under house arrest. “Kartavykh has been released from custody and has flown to Russia,” she told TASS on Sunday.
Kartavykh himself confirmed his return, telling RIA Novosti: “I feel fine – I’m glad to be back home.”
The case occurred amid tense relations between Russia and Azerbaijan. Diplomatic strains escalated after an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crashed on December 25, 2024, near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing all 38 on board. The aircraft had sustained damage during its approach to Grozny, Russia, amid reported Ukrainian drone activity. Tensions were further fueled by a Russian law enforcement raid in Ekaterinburg earlier this year, which resulted in the deaths of two Azerbaijani nationals identified as suspected gang members.
Kremlin foreign-policy aide Yury Ushakov said Kartavykh’s release was finalized ahead of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe earlier in October. The release formed part of a reciprocal arrangement under which Mammadali Agayev, an Azerbaijani national detained in Moscow on embezzlement charges, was also freed.
During their meeting, Putin addressed the airline tragedy, suggesting that the crash was likely triggered by a Russian missile self-destructing near the plane during an air-defense response to a Ukrainian attack. He assured that appropriate compensation for the victims would be provided and that accountability measures would follow. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to trade, humanitarian efforts, and regional cooperation, pledging to continue dialogue “in the spirit of partnership and alliance.”
Maria Zakharova, the ministry’s spokeswoman, stated that Igor Kartavykh, editor-in-chief of the Sputnik Azerbaijan news agency, had boarded a flight to Russia after being cleared to leave the country. Kartavykh was initially detained in June following a police raid on Sputnik’s Baku office. Azerbaijani authorities charged him with fraud and illegal business activity, allegations that the media outlet described as “absurd.”
Zakharova noted that Russian diplomats remained in constant contact with Azerbaijani officials during the case. Prior to his release, Kartavykh had been placed under house arrest. “Kartavykh has been released from custody and has flown to Russia,” she told TASS on Sunday.
Kartavykh himself confirmed his return, telling RIA Novosti: “I feel fine – I’m glad to be back home.”
The case occurred amid tense relations between Russia and Azerbaijan. Diplomatic strains escalated after an Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190 crashed on December 25, 2024, near Aktau, Kazakhstan, killing all 38 on board. The aircraft had sustained damage during its approach to Grozny, Russia, amid reported Ukrainian drone activity. Tensions were further fueled by a Russian law enforcement raid in Ekaterinburg earlier this year, which resulted in the deaths of two Azerbaijani nationals identified as suspected gang members.
Kremlin foreign-policy aide Yury Ushakov said Kartavykh’s release was finalized ahead of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe earlier in October. The release formed part of a reciprocal arrangement under which Mammadali Agayev, an Azerbaijani national detained in Moscow on embezzlement charges, was also freed.
During their meeting, Putin addressed the airline tragedy, suggesting that the crash was likely triggered by a Russian missile self-destructing near the plane during an air-defense response to a Ukrainian attack. He assured that appropriate compensation for the victims would be provided and that accountability measures would follow. The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to trade, humanitarian efforts, and regional cooperation, pledging to continue dialogue “in the spirit of partnership and alliance.”
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