Sakartvelos Respublika writes that a Georgian citizen with temporary residency status living in Baku told the Azeri news agency that after the aggravation of the situation concerning Georgians in Russia, the checking of Georgians in Azerbaijan has been taking place more frequently.

The paper writes that the documents of Georgians are being checked at their work places, in the metro as well as other public places, and sometimes law enforcement officials are extorting money from them. The article notes that the Azeri Ministry of Internal Affairs stated that the check was ordered for a reason.

According to the Ministry, there is a possibility that "thieves in law" [criminal bosses] are being deported from Russia because of the tense situation and could be entering Azerbaijan. As for the extortion of money, the Azeri Ministry of Internal Affairs called on people to immediately report these cases.

/The Messenger/