European Court Rules on Complaints Against Azerbaijan

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) announced on July 11 four key decisions regarding complaints against Azerbaijan. The rulings, involving prominent figures such as Leyla and Arif Yunus and Intigam Aliyev, reflect ongoing concerns about property rights, freedom of movement, and access to justice in the country.

Leyla and Arif Yunus: Violations of Property Rights and Fair Trial

Prominent Azerbaijani human rights activists Leyla and Arif Yunus filed a complaint against the Azerbaijani government over the demolition of their property. The conflict began in 2008 when the Baku City Executive Power ordered the construction of a new park complex, resulting in the demolition of residential and non-residential premises, including the Yunus' apartments on Shamsi Badalbeyli Street.

Residents were offered 1,500 Azerbaijani Manats (AZN) per square meter as compensation, a sum the Yunus' deemed insufficient. After a prolonged legal battle, the Supreme Court ruled in their favor in 2013, but compensation was never paid. The ECHR has now ruled that the Azerbaijani government violated the applicants' rights to property and a fair trial, ordering the government to implement the Supreme Court's decision within three months. However, the court refrained from deciding on further damages, requiring additional submissions within the same period.

Intigam Aliyev: Right to Freedom of Movement

Intigam Aliyev, a well-known human rights lawyer, challenged the Azerbaijani authorities' ban on his right to leave the country. The ECHR found this restriction violated Aliyev's right to freedom of movement, awarding him €3,500 in compensation. The ruling underscores concerns over the arbitrary imposition of travel bans on activists and lawyers in Azerbaijan.

Saadat Jahangir: Effective Legal Remedies

Journalist Saadat Jahangir's case similarly revolved around a travel ban imposed by Azerbaijani authorities. The ECHR ruled in favor of Jahangir, recognizing the violation of her right to effective legal remedies and freedom of movement. The court awarded Jahangir €3,500 in compensation, highlighting the lack of adequate legal protection against such state actions in Azerbaijan.

Amiraslanli: Petition Declared Inadmissible

In contrast, the court declared the complaint by Razim Amiraslanli, deputy chairman of the Musavat party, against Azerbaijan inadmissible, indicating the stringent review process for complaints and the high threshold for admissibility in the ECHR.

These rulings highlight ongoing issues within the Azerbaijani legal system, particularly concerning property rights, freedom of movement, and access to justice.