By Vusal Mammadov

Alexander Lapshin`s issue is not only the punishment of a blogger who totally lost his way; With this issue Azerbaijan also showed its willpower on the Karabakh issue to the world. It means that Karabakh is Azerbaijan`s internal issue. Therefore, we will judge those who intervene in our internal affairs under the legislation.

Blogging is considered as a sensitive issue in the modern world. They are almost presented or accepted as suppliers of freedom of speech. Actually, they had become the tool in hands of curious bodies. Let`s have a look at Lapshin`s travels to 122 countries. You can ask: ` How did he get the money?` However, it is not the focus here, it is about bloggers` real mission.

As we said blogging is a sensitive issue, a country which puts pressure on a blogger is usually exposed to information attacks from different directions. Was Azerbaijan aware of it? Of course, yes! Did we need that? No, we didn`t. Then, could Baku forgive Lapshin?



Let`s glance back at him. Although Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs blacklisted Alexander Lapshin because of his visit to Karabakh, no appeal was made to Interpol for his arrest. It means, official Baku was not interested in his arrest. Exaggeration of this issue would not be a right step in terms of politics and diplomacy.



Last summer, Lapshin travelled to Azerbaijan as if to watch `Formula-1`. He knew that his name was in the blacklist. Furthermore, he hoaxed with our country in the article in his blog Moreover, he made fun of being in the blacklist of Azerbaijan. Each country must protect its pride. Well, have you no sense of decency?

Lapshin intentionally insulted official Baku. In this case, Azerbaijan would appeal to the `Interpol` to issue a notice for his arrest. Was it a willful move? It is completely possible because there are a large number of powers who wants to propagate against Azerbaijan claiming that `the country arrested blogger`. Laphsin`s arrest is an unexpected opportunity for them and of course, they will try to take maximum advantage of this opportunity.

However, sometimes you have to take necessary steps regardless of others` opinions. Laphsin`s arrest became one of these necessary measures. More precisely, he did it.

It was not a piece of `cake` for Azerbaijan. Lapshin holds dual - Israel and Russian citizenship. In this regard, Azerbaijan firstly had to treat a question with Russia and Israel and Belarus where he currently lives. INTERPOL appealed to 13 countries, but they refused to arrest Laphsin. However, this issue was `at a dead point` prior to Lukashenko`s visit to Azerbaijan on 29 November and Netanyahu`s visit on 13 December. Laphsin was arrested on 15 December.

His destiny became inexplicable and diplomatic scandal: Will Belarus extradite the blogger who holds both Russian and Israeli citizenship? The question led to many discussions. President Lukashenko responded to the questions saying “If Russia, Azerbaijan and Israel reach an agreement, we will follow their request”. He said, Azerbaijan knows what it wants as distinct from Russia and Israel!



In the end, Lapshin was brought to Azerbaijan by the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Now, he will face a fair trial at Azerbaijan`s Court.

Of course, great number of powers will try to attack Azerbaijan during the trial. But, it is worth of enduring all upcoming attacks for bringing a lawsuit against a person who illegally visited Karabakh displaying disrespect to Azerbaijani lands!

This is not only symbolic event, but also warning to those who want to visit Karabakh. It means that if you insist on visiting the country established by the occupants, we would insist on going to the limit!

Vusal Mammadov is the editor-in-chief of AzVision.az, political analyst.

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