Azeris sue Russian vice-speaker over defamation
Azerbaijanis living in Russia have filed a lawsuit
against the country`s vice-speaker of the State Duma, lower house
of parliament, Vladimir Zhirinovsky. The plaintiffs accuse the
flamboyant and nationalist politician of insulting the honor and
dignity of the Azerbaijani people in a recent book.
The suit was caused by a recently published book entitled "The Latest Attack on the South." In his article, Zhirinovsky labeled Russia`s southern neighbors - Azerbaijan and Turkey - as the main cause of most of his country`s woes. He maintained that Moscow should not only again subdue Azerbaijan, but also a Russian flag should fly over Ankara.
Zhirinovsky claims that Azerbaijanis are not a nation but, rather, a Persian-speaking tribe. "A country named Azerbaijan has never existed and this small tribe, which had no roots or culture, were later turned into Turks."
Prior to the filing of the lawsuit, the expressions used by the politician regarding Azerbaijan had been sent in for an authoritative translation. Russian experts confirmed that the phrases were insulting.
Although a preliminary court hearing was initially scheduled for last Wednesday, it did not take place. Officials at Moscow`s Meschansky court said that the judge who was to hear the case had fallen ill. The court hearing has been re-scheduled for January 22.
The Azerbaijani Diaspora in Russia has demanded that the book be removed from sale and that Zhirinovsky apologize to the Azerbaijani people over one of Russia`s TV channels.
Zhirinovsky, who came under fire from the Azerbaijani community, is now trying to allay tensions to some extent. Last week he attended an event celebrating the religious Gurban Holiday conducted by Russia`s Muslim community, where he extended kind words toward the Tatar, Azerbaijani and Turkish communities.
"I wish no one ever blamed us for ethnic or religious discrimination. The rights of not a single Diaspora are violated in Russia. I stand by the Muslims of Russia. Let the mosques always be open and calls to prayer be heard in Russia," Zhirinovsky said.
The suit was caused by a recently published book entitled "The Latest Attack on the South." In his article, Zhirinovsky labeled Russia`s southern neighbors - Azerbaijan and Turkey - as the main cause of most of his country`s woes. He maintained that Moscow should not only again subdue Azerbaijan, but also a Russian flag should fly over Ankara.
Zhirinovsky claims that Azerbaijanis are not a nation but, rather, a Persian-speaking tribe. "A country named Azerbaijan has never existed and this small tribe, which had no roots or culture, were later turned into Turks."
Prior to the filing of the lawsuit, the expressions used by the politician regarding Azerbaijan had been sent in for an authoritative translation. Russian experts confirmed that the phrases were insulting.
Although a preliminary court hearing was initially scheduled for last Wednesday, it did not take place. Officials at Moscow`s Meschansky court said that the judge who was to hear the case had fallen ill. The court hearing has been re-scheduled for January 22.
The Azerbaijani Diaspora in Russia has demanded that the book be removed from sale and that Zhirinovsky apologize to the Azerbaijani people over one of Russia`s TV channels.
Zhirinovsky, who came under fire from the Azerbaijani community, is now trying to allay tensions to some extent. Last week he attended an event celebrating the religious Gurban Holiday conducted by Russia`s Muslim community, where he extended kind words toward the Tatar, Azerbaijani and Turkish communities.
"I wish no one ever blamed us for ethnic or religious discrimination. The rights of not a single Diaspora are violated in Russia. I stand by the Muslims of Russia. Let the mosques always be open and calls to prayer be heard in Russia," Zhirinovsky said.
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