ECHR Initiates Investigation into Torture Claims in Azerbaijan's "Tartar Case"

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has formally initiated dialogue with the Azerbaijani authorities concerning the "Tartar Case," a well-known military scandal that includes widespread torture, wrongful detention, and extrajudicial executions within the Azerbaijani military. The court’s investigation comes after requests from ten servicemen who were cleared after years in prison, along with the families of soldiers who passed away during questioning.

The legal dispute focuses on the "Tartar incidents" from May 2017, when numerous soldiers faced allegations of high treason and spying. Ten particular complainants—among them Mushfiq Ahmadli, Rauf Orujov, and several others—were sentenced to as much as 20 years in prison on charges encompassing treason and sexual violence. After spending five and a half years, their innocence was ultimately established, resulting in their complete acquittal and freedom. These individuals now claim that their sentences were solely founded on false admissions obtained through severe torture, contravening the right to a fair trial as stated in Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The ECHR has requested that the Azerbaijani government clarify if the principle of "equality of arms" was upheld during these trials. Particular inquiries directed at the state concern whether the defendants were allowed access to attorneys of their choice during initial questioning and if they had a legitimate chance to confront witnesses. The ECHR's inquiry encompasses the fatalities of both senior and junior officers who did not face trial. On April 30, the court proceeded with the complaints lodged by the families of Colonel Saleh Gafarov and serviceman Elchin Guliyev.

Official state records indicate that Colonel Gafarov died from injuries reportedly sustained after allegedly jumping from a window during interrogation, while Guliyev’s death was linked to injuries "sustained during questioning." Nonetheless, their families—represented by Natavan Gafarova and Valida Ahmadova—claim that these men were tortured to death. They claim that the later domestic inquiry was merely a "sham," pointing out that although five people received brief prison sentences (5-6 years) for "inducing someone to suicide," no one has been held responsible for planned murder.

Families of the victims have persistently demanded the prosecution of top officials, such as former Military Prosecutor Khanlar Valiyev, Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov, and former Chief of General Staff Najmeddin Sadigov. Valida Ahmadova, the mother of the late Elchin Guliyev, stated to reporters that any inquiry that does not interrogate these high-ranking commanders is "nonsensical."