Baku slams European Court of Human Rights decision as unfounded

Azerbaijan has criticized a ruling by the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) in the case V.T. and Others v. Azerbaijan, describing it as unfounded and biased.

The statement was issued by Azerbaijan’s authorized representative to the ECHR, Chingiz Asgarov, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Asgarov notes that the ECHR’s decision of June 18, 2026, was adopted without a comprehensive examination of all circumstances of the case and without sufficient and reliable evidence.

The Azerbaijani side particularly criticized the use of terminology in the ruling that contradicts Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement further underlines that references to the so-called “NKR” and its various institutions create an appearance of legitimacy for an unrecognized separatist entity.

Asgarov also pointed to a contradiction between the new ruling and the ECHR’s earlier judgment in the case of Chiragov and Others v. Armenia, in which the court noted Armenia’s effective control over the occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

According to the statement, those territories were nevertheless referred to as “NKR” in the latest ruling, which is legally inconsistent.

The Azerbaijani side further noted that the court did not examine the reasons why an Armenian citizen had been serving in the military on Azerbaijani territory and did not adequately take into account that case materials had been submitted by the Armenian side.

The statement adds that the judgment was based on a one-sided assessment of the facts, giving preference to materials presented by Armenia, while Azerbaijan’s position was not properly reflected.

Azerbaijan also criticized the compensation aspect of the ruling, arguing that the court departed from its own established practice and previous precedents, raising questions about the objectivity of the decision.

Chingiz Asgarov stressed that Azerbaijan categorically rejects the conclusions contained in the ECHR judgment and intends to consider all available legal and procedural mechanisms in response to the ruling.

By Vafa Guliyeva