The Azerbaijani side intends to pursue the consideration, at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), the cases of Azerbaijani saboteurs Dilham Askerov and Shahbaz Guliyev, whom the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic First Instance General Jurisdiction Court had sentenced to life and 22 years, respectively, in prison.

Citing Anar Baghirov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Law Reform Centre, APA news agency of Azerbaijan reported that the respective appeal has been filed with the ECHR.

“Baghirov said some photographs and other evidences indicating violation of their rights, torture and inhumane treatment toward them were also attached to the document,” the news agency stated.

But it is unclear from where the Azerbaijani side might have obtained such “facts.” In all likelihood, the “evidence” is falsified.

Baghirov added that the appeal was received by the court on January 13.

As reported earlier, Dilham Askerov was charged with espionage; unauthorized border trespass; kidnapping and violence against a minor, committed by an organized group; murder committed by an organized group motivated by ethnic hatred; and attempt of murder of two persons, committed by an organized group, motivated by ethnic hatred. Shahbaz Guliyev was charged with espionage; unauthorized border trespass; kidnapping and violence against a minor, committed by an organized group; and murder committed by an organized group motivated by ethnic hatred.

On December 29, 2014, the First Instance General Jurisdiction Court of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic had sentenced Dilham Askerov and Shahbaz Guliyev to life and 22 years, respectively, in prison.