“Our state showed great resolve and took decisive steps. My brothers’ bodies were swiftly brought to our homeland, and a large crowd gathered to receive them. People expressed their anger over the incident. The bodies were then taken for forensic medical examination by a highly professional team. I personally participated in the identification process. I cannot interfere with the work of the investigative authorities, but I witnessed the condition of my brothers’ bodies. The numerous marks on their bodies indicated that they were subjected to severe torture,” said journalist Seyfaddin Huseynli, the brother of the victims killed during an operation by Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) in Yekaterinburg, as reported by AZERTAC’s regional correspondent.

He added, “What happens next is the responsibility of the investigative authorities. I can only say that all resources have been mobilized to uncover the truth regarding this matter. Since we have not yet been able to return to our native village of Marzili, a farewell ceremony will be held in Aghjabadi, in the house where we have lived since 1994. Afterward, they will be buried in the cemetery where my father, mother, and other relatives are laid to rest.”

Seyfaddin Huseynli also expressed confidence in the Azerbaijani state’s support for defending the rights of Azerbaijanis detained in Russia and those who sustained serious injuries: “Some of those still in Russia have been severely injured. Several remain in detention, and fabricated judicial processes are being conducted against them. My 61-year-old brother, Zakir Safarov, is among them. Although the 72-hour detention period ordered by the court has expired, it seems that artificial obstacles are being created to prevent his release. This is unacceptable. I believe that any success we achieve in this matter will be thanks to the strength of our state.”