Armenian lawyers hail landmark ECHR ruling on wartime atrocities

Armenian human rights lawyers say a recent European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) ruling has set a precedent in recognizing wartime atrocities committed by Azerbaijani forces during the 2016 April war in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), including the beheading of Armenian officer Hayk Toroyan.

At a press briefing on Wednesday, lawyer Siranush Sahakyan explained that the case, V.T. and Others v. Azerbaijan, was brought forward by Toroyan’s family and rights defenders, with Armenia’s government joining as a third party in 2017. “This was an individual initiative, but it evolved into a comprehensive legal effort involving volunteers, regional experts and forensic examinations,” Sahakyan told reporters.

Lawyer Araks Melkonyan emphasized the significance of the ruling, noting it is the first ECHR judgment addressing killings of Armenian servicemen during the April war. She said 21 similar complaints are pending before the court. “We had substantial factual evidence, including eyewitness testimony, photographs circulated on social media, and even statements from Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry. The court accepted our arguments and held Azerbaijan accountable,” Melkonyan said.

Toroyan, gravely wounded in combat near Talish, was captured and decapitated by Azerbaijani soldiers. According to Melkonyan, those responsible were later celebrated as heroes in Azerbaijan, receiving awards and meeting with youth groups. “This culture of impunity directly fueled further atrocities,” she said, citing reports of at least 30 beheadings during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, including civilians.

Melkonyan added that the September 2023 Azerbaijani offensive reinforced fears among Artsakh Armenians. “People had seen how elderly civilians and soldiers were executed, and no one was punished. The risk of repetition left them with no choice but to flee their homes,” she said.