Diplomatic Strain: Azerbaijani Brothers' Deaths in Russian Custody Spark Tension

Reports of two Azerbaijani brothers allegedly beaten to death in Russian police custody have inflamed tensions between Moscow and Baku.

Azerbaijani prosecutors have initiated a murder investigation into the deaths of Huseyn and Ziyaddin Safarov, who were arrested in Yekaterinburg. In response, Azerbaijan detained Russian journalists, adding to the diplomatic strain.

The incident threatens to undermine Azerbaijan-Russia relations. Azerbaijani officials claim police conducted extrajudicial killings, an accusation rejected by Moscow. Meanwhile, forensic reports from Azerbaijan indicate severe beatings as the cause of death.

(With inputs from agencies.)