Russia seeks release of journalists detained in Azerbaijan, Kremlin says

Kremlin Expects Release of Russian Journalists Detained in Azerbaijan

MOSCOW (Reuters) -The Kremlin said on Tuesday it expected to secure the release of Russian journalists detained in Azerbaijan, in a case that forms part of a deepening diplomatic row between the two neighbouring countries.

The journalists were arrested on Monday on suspicion of fraud. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Azerbaijan's actions appeared to be an "emotional reaction," but emphasized that all concerns could be resolved through direct dialogue between the two countries.

Azerbaijani prosecutors said on Tuesday they had opened a criminal investigation into the alleged murder of two Azerbaijani brothers who were arrested in Russia last week, saying the pair had been beaten to death while in custody.

(Reporting by Dmitry AntonovWriting by Maxim RodionovEditing by Mark Trevelyan)