Opposition MP warns of consequences if Armenia withdraws lawsuits against Azerbaijan

By withdrawing its international lawsuits against Azerbaijan, Armenia’s government is effectively helping Baku legitimize its crimes against Artsakh, Armenia and the Armenian people, claims Ishkhan Saghatelyan, the ARF Armenia leader and an MP from the opposition Hayastan faction.

The Armenian government has brought four cases against Azerbaijan in the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), documenting war crimes and human rights violations committed during and after the 2020 Artsakh war. The cases also address the illegal trials and detention of Armenian prisoners in Baku, Azerbaijan's occupation of Armenia’s sovereign territory and the developments in Artsakh since 2022, including the occupation of the villages of Parukh and Karaglukh, the blockade of the Lachin Corridor and the forced displacement of Artsakh Armenians in 2023.

In a social media post on Wednesday, Saghatelyan argued that the withdrawal of international lawsuits would absolve Azerbaijan of responsibility, validate its accusations and legitimize both its occupation of Armenian lands and the ethnic cleansing in Artsakh.

Armenia also has a pending case at the UN International Court of Justice under the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which includes claims related to the property rights of displaced Artsakh Armenians.

“Many victims have relied on Armenia to represent their claims. If the government drops the case, their rights will remain unprotected,” the MP wrote.

“Moreover, the deadlines for filing cases related to the 2020 war have already passed. If Armenia withdraws this complaint, individuals will no longer be able to seek justice,” he added.