Azerbaijan's Latest Accusation Against Iran

The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Esmail Baghaei, stated that claims regarding the alleged mistreatment of Iranian-origin prisoners in Azerbaijan have no basis. This was declared by the spokesperson for Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Aykhan Hajizade, who commented on the statements made by the Iranian Foreign Ministry regarding Iranian citizens imprisoned in Azerbaijan.

Aykhan Hajizade emphasized that in accordance with the provisions of the 1963 Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, the Iranian side has been provided with official information about all citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran detained and imprisoned in Azerbaijan. 'The rights, legal interests, and personal safety of citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran held in correctional facilities of the Republic of Azerbaijan are protected, and they are provided with necessary material and living conditions. According to current legislation, convicted and detained individuals have the right to make phone calls, receive parcels, meet with family members, and communicate by phone. In some correctional facilities, the opportunity has been created for Iranian citizens to meet with their relatives through video conferencing,' he noted.

However, he pointed out that in Iran, information about our citizens who are in custody and imprisoned is not provided to the diplomatic representations of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In many cases, our citizens are not allowed to meet with the diplomatic representations of Azerbaijan in Iran and to establish phone contact with family members, as well as submit requests regarding the transfer of the remaining part of their sentences to be served in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, contrary to relevant inquiries, information is not provided to the Azerbaijani side regarding court proceedings involving citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan conducted in the Islamic Republic of Iran, as well as decisions made during those hearings. 'Our country has always been in favor of discussing such issues without politicization, on a bilateral basis and through diplomatic channels,' emphasized the Foreign Ministry representative.