Dagestan truckers ask Putin to solve detention problem in Azerbaijan

Dagestan truckers have appealed to Russian President Vladimir Putin to help Russian drivers who they say are being detained in Azerbaijan after discovering banned substances in cargoes transported from Iran. The video message was published on the social network page of socio-political figure Ruslan Kurbanov.

According to representatives of the carriers, they deliver vegetables and fruits from Iran to Russia, which are already packaged on pallets in Astara. After loading, the cargo passes customs control, sealed and checked by X-ray.

We have no way of detecting them when loading, as the goods come to Astara, Iran, where we load, already packed, ready on pallets. We do not have the physical ability to check this product. In addition, legally we have no right to unpack it and check the contents, said one trucker.

According to him, despite the inspections, Russian drivers are detained in Azerbaijan if prohibited substances are found in the cargo.

“They are arresting a driver who was absolutely not involved in this and has nothing to do with this crime,” he said.

The trucker said that more than 10 people have gone through similar situations in recent years. About 10 drivers are under a travel ban in Azerbaijan. One of them, Makhtiev Minatullah Pashaevich, received 11.5 years in prison.

“We have repeatedly addressed this problem to various authorities, including the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation, the Office of the Ombudsman for Human Rights under the President of the Russian Federation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, but, unfortunately, so far it has been completely unsuccessful,” the driver said.

The wife of the convicted Angela Makhtiyev also appealed to Putin for help.

“Since his arrest, I have been alone with the children. If you don't help me, I have no one else to turn to. Please help us, do not leave us alone with this grief, she said.

Kalimat Makhtiyeva, the convict's daughter, also asked the president to help her father: "Please help my dad." I miss him so much, I want him to come to our house