The Russian Embassy in Azerbaijan has published on its website an official statement regarding the comments and information disseminated through social media on the detention of a Russian citizen of Armenian origin Marat Ueldanov in Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

On June 23, the Embassy received note 5/15-1401/15/16 from the Azerbaijani MFA, according to which the Russian Federation citizen M. V. Ueldanov was detained by the State Security Service of Azerbaijan on June 9 on suspicion of committing a crime falling under Article 234.4.3 of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code (illegal acquisition and possession of large amount of drugs for purpose of sale) and placed at an investigative isolator, the statement reads.

“A few days later, citizen M. V. Mirzoyan turned to the Embassy, making a statement that the detainee is her brother, whose real surname is Galustyan, and that he has been detained not for illegal drug trafficking but on suspicion of espionage. The Embassy immediately turned to the relevant authorities of Azerbaijan in a working order, requesting to provide relevant clarifications and allow the consular department workers to visit the Russian citizen,” the Embassy statement says.

In confirmation to this request, an official note was sent to the Azerbaijani MFA on July 5.

The Embassy continues its work with the Azerbaijani side to receive corresponding clarifications and permission to meet with the detainee as soon as possible.