Baku, Azerbaijan, July 27
By Elmira Tariverdiyeva – Trend:
The Russian embassy in Azerbaijan issued an official statement on its website in connection with the information and comments spread by media on the detention of Russian citizen Marat Ueldanov in Azerbaijan.
According to the message, the embassy received a note (#5/15-1401/15/16) from the Azerbaijani foreign ministry June 23, 2016.
According to the note, the representatives of the Azerbaijani State Security Service detained Russian citizen Marat Ueldanov and placed him into a detention center June 9, 2016.
Ueldanov was suspected of committing a crime under Article 234.4.3 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code (illegal purchase or storage of large quantity of drugs with intent to sell), the message said.
According to the message, a few days later Mariana Mirzoyan appealed to the embassy, stating that the detainee is her brother and his real surname is Galustyan.
Mirzoyan added that Galustyan was detained on suspicion of espionage, rather than drug trafficking, the message said.
The embassy immediately appealed to the relevant Azerbaijani agencies with a request to explain and permit the representatives of the consular department to meet with the Russian citizen, the message said.
In support of the appeal, an official note was sent to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry July 5, 2016, the message said.
According to the message, the embassy continues to work with the Azerbaijani side to rapidly clarify the issue and get permission to meet with the detainee.