Azerbaijan Violated Human Rights Convention Over Beheading and Mutilation of Armenian Soldier: ECHR
Driving the news:
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ruled that Azerbaijan violated the right to life and the prohibition of torture in the case of an Armenian serviceman Hayk Toroyan, who was killed during the April 2016 Azerbaijani agression against Artsakh.
The court found violations of Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protects the right to life, and Article 3, which prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment.
According to the judgment, Toroyan had been wounded and was no longer able to participate in hostilities when he was killed. The court concluded that his treatment violated international humanitarian law, including protections for individuals who are hors de combat.
What they’re saying:
The court found that Toroyan was subjected to torture and inhuman treatment. According to the judgment, his hands were severed while he was still alive, followed by his beheading.
The ECHR also found that Toroyan’s family members suffered severe emotional distress after learning about the circumstances of his death and because his remains were not returned intact.
The Azerbaijani authorities have rejected allegations of wrongdoing and have disputed the court’s conclusions regarding the events. Azerbaijani officials have previously criticized ECHR rulings as biased and questioned the authority of some court decisions following Azerbaijan’s dispute with the Council of Europe’s Parliamentary Assembly.
Why it matters:
The ruling is the first ECHR judgment related to the April 2016 Azerbaijani agression against Artsakh Republic.
The court’s decision is part of a broader group of cases concerning violations during the conflict. The ECHR is currently considering additional similar applications.
The big picture:
The ECHR awarded €60,000 jointly to H.T.’s parents, V.T. and L.V., and €30,000 to his sister, A.G., for non-pecuniary damage. The court also awarded €14,210 for legal and other expenses, bringing the total compensation to approximately €104,210.
Azerbaijan must pay the compensation within three months after the judgment becomes final. If the government does not comply, the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe may begin supervision procedures.
@REPUBLICPRESS
