Azerbaijan has canceled a series of cultural events involving Russian institutions in response to actions taken by law enforcement in Yekaterinburg against Azerbaijani citizens. The decision, announced by the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, impacts concerts, festivals, performances, and exhibitions organized by both state and private Russian entities.

The cancellations follow the detention of individuals in Yekaterinburg, some of whom are accused of involvement in a series of murders and attempted murders dating back to 2001-2011. Among those detained, nine belong to the Safarov clan, and two reportedly died after searches were conducted.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has expressed its strong disapproval of the actions of Russian law enforcement. The situation may be linked to the 2001 murder of Yunis Pashayev, an Azerbaijani native of Yekaterinburg. Pashayev was fatally stabbed in May 2001.

Citizens who purchased tickets for the affected events are advised to contact sales points and online platforms to arrange for refunds. The Russian Foreign Ministry has addressed the concerns raised by Azerbaijan, with Peter Volokhov, the temporary chargé d’affaires of Russia, providing explanations to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry regarding the situation.