Azerbaijani foreign ministry reminds citizens of criminal liability for mercenarism
The Azerbaijani MFA issued an official appeal to the country’s citizens in connection with the situation in the sphere of international security.
The foreign ministry emphasized that the aggravating tension in the global security environment, as well as ongoing armed conflicts in various regions, including Ukraine and the Middle East, continue to pose a serious threat to international peace and stability.
The MFA noted with regret that cases of deaths and injuries of Azerbaijani citizens as a result of combat operations have been recorded in the indicated zones:
“Unfortunately, cases of death or bodily injuries of varying degrees of severity are recorded among Azerbaijani citizens located in such territories as a result of armed clashes and military operations. Such incidents once again demonstrate that security risks in conflict zones and adjacent territories are extremely high and pose a serious danger to the life and health of our citizens visiting these regions or carrying out activities there,” the statement says.
In this regard, the diplomatic department called on Azerbaijani citizens to carefully assess risks before traveling abroad, strictly follow the instructions of state bodies, and completely avoid trips to areas where military operations are underway.
Special attention in the statement of the foreign ministry was paid to the legal side of the issue. The MFA reminded that any involvement of Azerbaijani citizens in foreign conflicts is a crime: “We bring to the attention that the participation of citizens on a mercenary or voluntary basis in armed conflicts and military operations on the territory of foreign states in any form entails criminal liability in accordance with the legislation of Azerbaijan.”
The ministry added that the diplomatic missions and consulates of the republic abroad continue to operate in the mode of protecting the rights and legitimate interests of compatriots. Nevertheless, the MFA pointed to the need for personal responsibility: “Of particular importance is that every citizen takes a responsible attitude toward their own safety and avoids activities with a high level of risk.”
In conclusion, the department noted that it continues to closely monitor the development of the international situation.
Recall that recently two vessels with crews consisting of Azerbaijani sailors (a total of 25 people) were subjected to a drone attack in the Sea of Azov. As a result, 5 Azerbaijani sailors were killed and three more were wounded.
