Azerbaijan arrests three Russians in absentia; Russia deports Azerbaijani diaspora leader
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Azerbaijan on Aug. 17 arrested in absentia three Russian citizens and placed them on a wanted list, while Russia deported Bakhtiyor Gasanov, head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Moscow. The three Russians were charged with inciting hatred and calling for terrorism over remarks in a YouTube program about Azerbaijan.
Key Facts
- The three Russians placed on Azerbaijan's wanted list are Aleksey Chadayev, an adviser to the head of Russia's Transport Ministry; Ivan Knyazev, a host on Moscow 24; and political consultant Semyon Uralov.
- Bakhtiyor Gasanov was deprived of Russian citizenship in 2025 and detained in June before being deported from Russia in August.
- The three were charged with inciting hatred and calling for terrorism over remarks in a YouTube show about Azerbaijan.
- Azerbaijan has also arrested several employees of Russian propaganda media and 11 Russians, including tourists and relocants, since the summer of 2025.
The August 17 Arrests
Azerbaijan on Aug. 17 arrested in absentia Aleksey Chadayev, Ivan Knyazev and Semyon Uralov and placed them on an international wanted list. Chadayev is an adviser to the head of Russia's Transport Ministry, Knyazev hosts on the Moscow 24 television channel, and Uralov is a political consultant. All three were charged with inciting hatred and calling for terrorism over remarks made in a YouTube program about Azerbaijan.
Gasanov's Deportation
Bakhtiyor Gasanov, head of the Azerbaijani diaspora in Moscow, was deported from Russia. Gasanov was deprived of Russian citizenship in 2025. In June, Gasanov was detained and placed in a temporary migrant detention center before the deportation in August.
Mutual Prosecutions Since 2025
Azerbaijani and Russian officials have been targeting each other's citizens since mass raids on Azerbaijani diaspora representatives in Russia in the summer of 2025. Azerbaijan has arrested several employees of Russian propaganda media and 11 Russians, including tourists and relocants. The media employees were released after several months, while the remaining detainees received prison sentences.
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Azerbaijan arrests three Russians in absentia; Russia deports Azerbaijani diaspora leader
