Russian MFA comments on extradition of Zakhireddin Ibragimov to Baku

Zakhireddin Ibragimov, the chairman of the committee for the protection of the rights of ethnic minorities, who was brought to Azerbaijan, was previously deprived of the Russian citizenship, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russian reported.

Zakhireddin Ibragimov, the chairman of the committee for the protection of the rights of ethnic minorities and a supporter of the autonomy of the Talysh people, has been extradited at the request of the country’s authorities, the “Lenta.ru” portal reports today with reference to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA).

The Russian MFA has explained that the Russian laws do not provide for the extradition of own citizens from the country.

“Earlier, Zakhireddin Ibragimov had been deprived of the Russian citizenship for committing illegal actions,” the Russian MFA reported.

In July 2024, a case of ethnographer Igbal Abilov became known in a similar way. Then, several pro-government media outlets in Azerbaijan released the same message without specifying their source. The message reported that Igbal Abilov was detained “as a result of special operational measures” by the country’s State Security Service. In May 2025, the court sentenced Igbal Abilov to 18 years of imprisonment for high treason.

This was originally published on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’ on May 28, 2025 at 09:09 pm MSK. To access the full text of the article, click here.