Azerbaijani MP: Russia Engages in Espionage in CIS Member States

"Sputnik Azerbaijan" agency's detained leaders have no connection to journalism. This was stated by Milli Majlis deputy Sahib Aliyev. The deputy noted that the media have always been used as a means of influence, for better or worse. "In this regard, Russia differs from other states in that, just as they forget aspects like precision when applying military force, their information policy is not much different in this regard. It is precisely because of such crude informational interference, and the recognition of no norms, that dozens of countries have banned the activities of the 'Sputnik' agency, which was recently closed in Azerbaijan. In the West, not only 'Sputnik' is banned, but also Russian propaganda and misinformation resources," said the deputy.

The deputy stated that the fact that the Union of Journalists of Russia has assessed the closure of 'Sputnik Azerbaijan' and the illegal detention of two officers of intelligence agencies in the guise of journalists as a violation of freedom of speech, and has appealed to international organizations regarding this, is absolutely insufficient. "However, unfortunately, we have recently seen that many structures of the neighboring country exhibit the same behavior, so we are no longer surprised by this. Russia does not fulfill its obligations and engages in espionage in CIS member countries," added Milli Majlis deputy Sahib Aliyev.