The governments of Azerbaijan and Hungary were questioned by the European Court of Human Rights to formally respond to an appeal filed by the parents of an officer of the Armenian army Gurgen Markarian, who was murdered by Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov, an ax in Budapest in 2004. Markarian The parents are represented by the European Centre for Human Rights of defense (based at the University of Middlesex), Legal Guide (Armenian NGOs) and Nazeli Vardanyan.
The family of the victim supports the right of Gurgen Markarian to life (Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights) was violated by Azerbaijan – both because of his murder, and also because Ramil Safarov’s pardon has prevented the full implementation of his sentence. They also argue that Markarian has been the victim of a racial crime which was subsequently approved by the pardon and release of Safarov (in violation of Article 14 taken together with Article 2 of the Convention). Moreover, they contend that Hungary has violated Article 2 of the Convention because it allowed to be transferred Safarov to Azerbaijan without obtaining assurances that he should serve the remainder of his prison sentence.
The appeal is also carried by Hayk Makuchyan, an officer of the Armenian army Ramil Safarov that tried to murder during the same incident in Budapest.
Both governments are required to file their responses to the Strasbourg Court in May. The Court also called on the Armenian government to submit its observations, taking into account the nationality of Markarian.
Stéphane © armenews.com