• "The detention of journalists is illegal and violates international law," Melnikov stresses, citing violations of the Geneva Conventions and other international human rights agreements.
• "The use of force in detaining journalists like terrorists is absolutely unacceptable," he condemns, pointing to the harsh tactics used by Azerbaijani authorities.
• "Sputnik is a legitimate news outlet, and accusations of espionage have no basis," he added, addressing groundless suspicions against the detained journalists.