Moscow: Journalists' calls to overthrow Azerbaijan government not official stance

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said Tuesday that statements by Russian journalists calling for the overthrow of Azerbaijan's government do not reflect Moscow's official approach to Baku, emphasizing that bilateral ties should develop under the Declaration on Allied Cooperation signed on Feb. 22, 2022.

"The statements made by these individuals in no way reflect Moscow's approach to Azerbaijan or its relations with the republic," Zakharova said, adding that the ministry believes Russian-Azerbaijani relations must proceed within the existing bilateral legal framework.

Baku charges three journalists

Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General's Office on Monday charged three Russian journalists with publicly calling for violence against the state, including the overthrow of its constitutional order and violations of territorial integrity.

The suspects — Semyon Uralov, Ivan Knyazev and Aleksey Chadayev — broadcast the "Clarity of Understanding" program on the "Semyon Uralov" YouTube channel. They were also charged with inciting national hatred and calling for terrorism, prompting authorities to order their arrest in absentia and place them on an international wanted list.

Information space tensions

Zakharova told reporters that Moscow "cannot help but note" unfriendly narratives toward Russia in Azerbaijan's information space. She said Russian authorities have repeatedly offered consultations with Azerbaijani officials to improve the media environment "without politicization or media hype," expressing hope for constructive dialogue.

She added that Russia would protect its citizens' legitimate rights and interests if necessary in connection with the Azerbaijani prosecutor's decision. The spokesperson stressed that official policy remains distinct from independent media commentary.