Azerbaijani Serviceman Found Guilty of Illegal Border Crossing and Arms Smuggling in Armenia

One of the two Azerbaijani servicemen who crossed into Armenia last month and subsequently faced charges of illegal border crossing and arms smuggling was found guilty on all charges by the Syunik Court of General Jurisdiction on May 4.

The serviceman, Aghshin Babirov, had pleaded guilty, according to the prosecution's announcement on Monday.

Meanwhile, the second serviceman, Hussein Akhundov, is also charged with the killing of a guard at the Zangezur Copper and Molybdenum Combine in Syunik. The criminal investigation into Akhundov's case is still ongoing.

On May 9, 2023, the European Court of Human Rights denied the request of the relatives of the two Azerbaijani citizens who illegally crossed the border into the Republic of Armenia. The request sought the application of an interim measure under Rule 39 of the Rules of the Court, based on claims that the two Azerbaijani servicemen were being subjected to treatment contrary to their right to life and freedom from torture.

Armenia's Office Of The Representative On International Legal Matters reported that the Government had presented its proper position, supported by relevant evidence, demonstrating that the Convention rights of the Azerbaijani servicemen were duly protected in the Republic of Armenia. Following the Government's submissions, the Court rejected the request for an interim measure against Armenia.