Pressure continues in Russia: Azerbaijani diaspora chairman from elections WITHDREW

Asif Mammadov, chairman of the regional public organization National-Cultural Autonomy of Azerbaijanis of Ivanovo Oblast of Russia, and a businessman, has refused to participate in the upcoming regional Duma elections.

Modern.az reports that this information was shared by the well-known TV presenter Ruslan Ostashko on his “Telegram” channel.

Asif Mammadov's candidacy had been included in the list of the local organization of the ruling “United Russia” party. However, immediately after this, a campaign against him began in the Russian media and among several propagandists.

It was claimed that Asif Mammadov “cannot speak Russian fluently” and had once sent a letter of gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan. Based on these arguments, it was stated that his candidacy for deputy in a “completely Russian region” like Ivanovo was “unacceptable.”

Sergey Mardan, one of the prominent figures of the Russian propaganda machine, even warned that if Mammadov's candidacy was not withdrawn, the issue would escalate to a federal level, and both the provincial leadership of “United Russia” and the governor would bear responsibility. Against the backdrop of these pressures, the party announced that it had withdrawn Asif Mammadov's candidacy, thereby “reacting to public discontent.” The Ivanovo regional election commission has already removed his name from the official list.

Asif Mammadov is originally from Fuzuli district. He is the brother of Sarraf Mammadov, a well-known businessman and leader of Ivanovo Azerbaijanis, who passed away in 2020. Another representative of the family, Ruslan Mammadov, is currently a deputy in the Ivanovo Duma, but he did not participate in the elections this time and will soon lose his mandate.

According to the Russian press, Asif Mammadov was preparing to take his place, but due to the resulting resonance, he was forced to withdraw from the elections.