International Court Establishes Discrimination Against Armenians in Azerbaijan, Ombudsman

The Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan wrote on his Facebook page: "On May 26, the European Court of Human Rights published a ruling on the case of Gurgen Margaryan, or otherwise known as Makuchyan and Minasian v. Azerbaijan and Hungary, which holds historical significance for the entire human rights system. This ruling established that the brutal murder of Armenian soldier Gurgen Margaryan by Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov, who attacked him with an axe while he was asleep, and the subsequent assault on Haik Makuchyan were the consequences of hatred.

This decision confirms that the release and glorification of R. Safarov, the privileges granted to him for his brutality, provide impunity for such crimes and lay the groundwork for the deepening of hatred.

The fundamental point is that the ruling records at the level of an international court that there is a systematic policy of discrimination against Armenians in Azerbaijan based on ethnic affiliation. Siranush Sahakyan played an invaluable role in this case by conveying the entire reality to the European Court through her extraordinarily complex yet precise work. Levon Gevorgyan also performed significant work during the examination of the case. Ms. Sahakyan and Mr. Gevorgyan held a press conference to present their tremendous work and the value of the court's decision.

It is also important to highlight Nazeli Vardanyan's role; without her significant efforts in Hungary, the protection of the victims’ rights would not have been as effective."