International Law Expert: Lapshin Will Become a Headache for Azerbaijan (EXCLUSIVE)

• 02.08.2017, 13:46
•  Region,  World

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The Supreme Court of Belarus confirmed the legality of the decision on Lapshin’s extradition. On February 7, the famous blogger was extradited to Azerbaijan. "Armedia"  IAA talked with an international law expert Ara Ghazaryan on the legal aspect of this extradition. 

- Does Lapshin's extradition correspond to the norms of international law?

- No, Lapshin’s extradition does not correspond to the norms of international law. It was not made for the purpose of criminal prosecution. He is a political prisoner - his extradition is pursuing political goals. In this regard, the extradition contradicts the international law. We should pay attention to the fact that Lapshin has not been declared internationally wanted, because Interpol would not allow that.

Lapshin has not committed a crime. The interpretation of freedom of expression of Lapshin as a threat to Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and national security is not legal. The criminal law cannot be interpreted in such a unclear way. So does this mean that potentially anyone who criticizes the Azerbaijani authorities or visits to Karabakh have committed a crime? It is out of logic and has no objective grounds.

- In terms of international law, are there any tools to influence the future course of the case?

- It is possible to appeal to the European Court of Human Rights, the UN Human Rights Committee. So first of all, it can be done by the members of the blogger’s family. However, these are legal processes, there should be as well a political process, because Lapshin is a political prisoner. The purpose of extradition is not what is written on paper.

- Can the steps of Azerbaijan towards the persons who had or have any relations with Artsakh  be described as an expression of Armenophobia?

- They are based on racism and Armenophobia. Lapshin will become a headache for Azerbaijan. Lapshin's case brings dividends for the domestic audience, but in outside it will become another topic for the increase of political pressure on Azerbaijan.