Diplomatic Shock: Azerbaijani Brothers' Death Sparks Tensions with Russia

Tensions have sharply escalated between Russia and Azerbaijan after two Azerbaijani brothers died in Russian police custody, with post-mortems revealing fatal beatings. Azerbaijani authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the incident, alleging torture and deliberate killing at the hands of Russian law enforcement officials.

In a move that further strained relations, Azerbaijan detained several Russian journalists on suspicion of fraud, prompting a protest from Moscow. This series of events threatens to severely damage diplomatic ties between the countries, both of which are important regional players with oil interests and historical connections.

The Azerbaijani source also noted additional arrests of Russians linked to drug trafficking and cybercrime, further complicating the situation. As both sides trade accusations, concerns grow over the potential impact on long-standing bilateral relations, with official diplomatic protests and negotiations currently underway.

(With inputs from agencies.)