“By violating Azerbaijani law Alexander Lapshin, a citizen of several countries, paid a number of visits to Azerbaijan`s occupied territories. He attempted to promote the illegal regime internationally, and made public calls against Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territorial integrity. Alexander Lapshin’s extradition is in compliance with the principles of international law,” said First Deputy Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, chairman of the committee on defense, security and fight against corruption Ziyafat Asgarov.

Asgarov said Major Crimes Investigative Committee of the Office of the Azerbaijani Prosecutor General charged Lapshin under articles 281.2 (public calls against the state) and 318.2 (illegal trespass on the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).

“There is no need to politicize this issue. Based on international documents Azerbaijan made an appeal to Belarussian law enforcement bodies. They respect fundamental principles of the international law and this is the reason why they implemented Azerbaijan’s appeal.”

The First Deputy Speaker noted that Azerbaijan is a strong country that respects international law. “Lapshin’s extradition to Azerbaijan is a bright success of President Ilham Aliyev’s foreign policy and diplomacy.”