Baku: Azerbaijan announced it summoned Russia's ambassador on Friday in response to remarks made by State Duma lawmaker Konstantin Zatulin concerning recent court verdicts related to the Karabakh region. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry stated that Mikhail Yevdokimov was called in and a formal note was handed over regarding Zatulin's comments, who is a member of the ruling United Russia Party.

According to Anadolu Agency, Azerbaijan condemned Zatulin's 'long-standing statements' against the country's 'sovereignty and territorial integrity.' The ministry also criticized his perceived support for separatism and attempts to 'distort court decisions.' Zatulin's remarks included 'unacceptable expressions' concerning Armenian citizens convicted of crimes against peace, humanity, and war crimes, which Baku stated occurred due to Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan urged Russia to take 'appropriate measures' to prevent actions by individuals seen as undermining 'peace and stability in the region' and damaging Azerbaijan-Russia relations. Zatulin, in a statement on Thursday from the International Russian-Armenian 'Lazarevsky Club,' labeled the verdicts in Baku as a 'reprisal' and a 'sham trial,' claiming they targeted the 'right to self-determination' of Armenians in Karabakh and called for the release of those he considered 'illegally detained' in Azerbaijani prisons.

Zatulin's remarks also included criticism of Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, accusing the government of 'betrayal' and inaction. Azerbaijan has consistently rejected such claims, maintaining that its judicial processes are conducted 'in accordance with national legislation and international law.'