One and a half years after the decision of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the case of Gurgen Margaryan, Azerbaijan refuses to comply with the ECHR claim. The Strasbourg court ruled on May 26, 2020, that Baku had violated the right to life, the European Convention on Human Rights.
“The Committee of Ministers decides whether the implementation should be monitored by an ordinary control or enhanced mechanism. In this case, a number of factors were taken into account, the case was given an intensified control process,” said Siranush Sahakyan, Representative of Gurgen Margaryan’s legal successors in ECHR.
The European Court has provided some information on this case, but the substantive discussion, according to Sahakyan, is expected in the fall. The goal of the Azerbaijani side is to try to delay, use political and diplomatic resources through partner countries, to postpone the process.
“I believe that Baku’s chances are limited, because, firstly, the court has facts recorded here, and secondly, we can refer the issue back to the court in separate episodes, and the Court will be involved in enforcement matters, so I do not think that Azerbaijan has an opportunity to commit major abuses,” Sahakyan said.
In 2004, Azerbaijani Ramil Safarov killed an Armenian officer attending a NATO training with an ax in Budapest. A Hungarian court sentenced Safarov to life imprisonment, but in 2012 Safarov was extradited to Azerbaijan. Ilham Aliyev pardoned and glorified the ax-wielding murderer.
“Imprisonment in Baku will be artificial, therefore it is necessary to move to a country where other convicts will be punished on equal terms,” Siranush Sahakyan said.
According to Sahakyan, if the Committee of Ministers does not agree with this thesis, the victims should at least be provided with mechanisms to control the execution of the verdict. Taking into account the discrimination registered by ECHR, the international structures should urge Azerbaijan to take steps to eliminate the anti-Armenian policy in the society.
