Azerbaijan Declares 31 Turkish Citizens ‘Undesirable Entities’

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan announced that 31 Turkish citizens, including Omar Farouk Gergerlioglu, a Member of Parliament, have been prohibited from entering Azerbaijani territory. This announcement was reported by the Azerbaijani news agency APA.

The ministry stated that these individuals were designated as ‘undesirable entities’ due to statements published on social networks and internet platforms that were perceived as being against the sovereignty, national security, constitutional order, people, and leadership of Azerbaijan. The declaration also cited incitement to forced government change, provocation of violence fueled by religious extremism, and the fanning of religious hatred and animosity as further reasons for the decision. These individuals are now barred from entering Azerbaijan in accordance with its laws.

The list of prohibited individuals includes journalists, bloggers, writers, political analysts, religious figures, sports personalities, and a number of activists from various Turkish parties. Notable figures on the list include Fatih Erbakan, head of Turkey’s New Welfare Party; Yahya Ugurash, deputy head of the Huda-Par party; Ahmet Çakar, a sports commentator and former football referee; and Omar Farouk Gergerlioglu, a Member of Parliament.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan further indicated that it will continue to take appropriate measures in response to statements and activities undertaken against the country and aimed at promoting animosity.