European Court discusses 21 applications with Azeri Government

"The judgement is to be implemented within three months. The expiry of the above-mentioned three months until settlement simple interest shall be payable on the above amounts at a rate equal to the marginal lending rate of the European Central Bank during the default period plus three percentage points," Chingiz Asgarov, Plenipotentiary Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan at European Court of Human Rights, told APA.

He said that open trials have not been held on the applications lodged with the Court by Azerbaijani nationals, and the final judgement on Fahmin Hajiyev was passed on the agreement with the Government.

He also said that the judgement has no connection to the Khojaly events. "The applicant lodged an appeal with the Court of Appeal. But the court sent a letter to Fahmin Hajiyev, saying he had to file a request with the Supreme Court. The judgement made by the European Court says he had been deprived of the right of access to court," he said.

Asgarov also added that he is unaware what applications will be considered in the European Court in the near future, saying the Court is discussing 21 applications with the Government.

The European Court of Human Rights held that the respondent State is to pay the applicant, within three months from the date on which the judgment becomes final in accordance with Article 44 § 2 of the Convention, the following sums to be converted into New Azerbaijani manats at the rate applicable at the date of settlement:

i. EUR 3,000 (three thousand euros) in respect of non- pecuniary damage, plus any tax that may be chargeable; and

ii. EUR 2,500 (two thousand five hundred euros) in respect of the costs and expenses, less EUR 850 (eight hundred and fifty euros) granted by way of legal aid, plus any tax that may be chargeable;