SOCR has sent a letter to international organizations due to the situation in Baku

The Union of Journalists of Russia (UJR) has sent a letter to international journalistic organizations calling for the release of Sputnik Azerbaijan employees. This was reported on the website of the SDR on July 10.

"The Union of Journalists of Russia expresses deep concern and resolute protest in connection with the continued arbitrariness against journalists of the Sputnik Azerbaijan news agency <...> We appeal to you urgently to intervene in the situation and facilitate the immediate release of our colleagues," the message says.

The letter states that the charges against Russian journalists are still not supported by evidence. Therefore, the SDR calls on the international community to take urgent measures to protect the rights of journalists.

It clarifies that the SDR demands access to detainees for legal assistance, an independent and transparent investigation, and an end to pressure on journalists.

On the occasion: Kiev is trying to aggravate relations between Moscow and Baku

With his call to Aliyev, Zelensky wanted to provoke Baku into emotional actions.

On July 7, a court in Baku rejected the appeals of Evgeny Belousov, editor-in-chief of Sputnik Azerbaijan, and Igor Kartavykh, head of the editorial board, to change the preventive measure.

On June 30, Azerbaijani security forces conducted an operation in the office of Sputnik Azerbaijan. At the same time, two Russian journalists, Kartavy and editor—in-chief Belousov, were detained in Baku. Later, eight more Russian citizens were detained in the city. On July 2, the Russian Embassy in Baku reported that Russians had received complaints about the use of physical violence, document checks and visits by unknown persons.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on July 2 that Moscow was calling on Baku to take measures to return the countries' relations to the level of strategic alliance.