Ex-Armenian ombudsman urges Aliyev to bring claims before ICC

Former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, head of the Wings of Unity movement, has called on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to take mutual allegations between the two countries to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Responding to Aliyev’s latest comments, Tatoyan said on Friday the Azerbaijani leader had accused Armenia of “numerous horrific, supposedly international crimes”. He argued that Aliyev’s remarks revealed an intention to “eliminate and seize Armenia”.

Tatoyan criticized the lack of an official response from Yerevan, claiming that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the ruling Civil Contract party were preoccupied with “unlawful actions” inside the country and undermining U.S.-led peace efforts.

“I am giving that response,” Tatoyan said. “If you are so confident that we committed these terrible crimes – which we know we haven’t – let us go to the International Criminal Court. You file a case against us and we will file one against you. That is how justice and peace are achieved, not through expansionist agendas.”

Addressing the public, Tatoyan insisted that Armenia had strong legal arguments and evidence to support its positions. He urged people not to succumb to fear.

“We can achieve good results through joint efforts,” he said. “Together, we can strengthen our country.”