The Coordinating Council of Armenian Organizations of France (CCAF) has taken a significant legal step by filing a complaint with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. This action underscores the ongoing international legal efforts to address alleged crimes committed during the Nagorno-Karabakh conflicts.
Background of the Complaint
The complaint, submitted through French lawyer Sévag Torossian, a member of both the Paris Bar Association and the ICC Bar Association, highlights the severe consequences of Azerbaijan’s military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh between September 27, 2020, and October 4, 2023. According to the CCAF, these operations resulted in the forced displacement of approximately 120,000 Armenians and the destruction of their centuries-old cultural heritage.
Demands Presented to the ICC
The CCAF has outlined specific requests for the ICC Prosecutor under Article 15 of the Rome Statute:
- Initiation of an Investigation: Recognize sufficient grounds to open an investigation into the alleged crimes committed against Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh during the specified period.
- Assessment of Territorial Jurisdiction: Refer the matter of the ICC’s territorial jurisdiction over Nagorno-Karabakh to the Court’s Pre-Trial Chamber.
- Issuance of Arrest Warrants: Issue international arrest warrants for President Ilham Aliyev and all individuals complicit in the alleged crimes committed between 2020 and 2023.
Historical Context and Previous Appeals
This move is not the first instance where the CCAF has sought international intervention. Co-chairs Ara Toranian and Murad Papazian previously urged the French government to refer the case to the ICC. However, they have expressed disappointment over the perceived lack of decisive action from Western nations. The CCAF’s statement poignantly notes, “Since 1915, this is the second time Armenians face such a denial of justice. This situation is unacceptable.”
International Legal Perspectives
The actions of Azerbaijani forces during the specified period have drawn significant international criticism. Former ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo and various human rights organizations have characterized these events as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. These classifications underscore the gravity of the allegations and the importance of thorough legal scrutiny.
Implications for International Justice
The CCAF’s complaint emphasizes the ICC’s mandate to hold leaders accountable for serious international crimes and to prevent denial of such offenses. As Armenia became a full member of the ICC by ratifying the Rome Statute on February 1, 2024, the Armenian authorities have indicated that this membership enables them to address issues related to Azerbaijani aggression and alleged war crimes, including invasions of Armenian territory in 2021-2022.
The pursuit of legal action against President Ilham Aliyev by French-Armenian organizations represents a critical effort to seek accountability for alleged atrocities in Nagorno-Karabakh. The international community will closely monitor the ICC’s response to this complaint, which could have profound implications for justice and reconciliation in the region.