Azerbaijani Famous Broadcaster: Safarov is Not a Hero, but a Criminal

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) published its ruling on May 26, concerning the case of Azerbaijani officer Ramil Safarov, who murdered Armenian officer Gurgen Margaryan in Hungary, and the extradition and release from punishment of the Azerbaijani officer in the case of "Makuchyan and Minasyan vs. Azerbaijan and Hungary." The ECHR ruled that Azerbaijan violated Article 2 of the Convention (right to life) as well as Article 14 (prohibition of discrimination). The ruling states that Azerbaijan unjustifiably failed to ensure the imprisonment of its officer, who committed a crime out of ethnic hatred, and that he was pardoned and promoted. Azerbaijan was unable to refute the claims of discrimination. According to the ruling, Azerbaijan must pay the applicants 15,143 pounds sterling for incurred expenses.

It is noteworthy that the reaction of some well-known Azerbaijanis after the aforementioned ECHR ruling was highlighted by regionmonitor. Among them, Azerbaijani broadcaster, model, and actress Tunay Aliyeva made a post on her Facebook page stating that Safarov is a criminal: "Ramil Safarov is not a hero, but a criminal who cannot control his emotions. If you can respect my opinion, if not, show your upbringing..." wrote Aliyeva.

This Facebook post by Tunay Aliyeva was also liked by the former head of the Azerbaijani government apparatus, former manager of parliamentary affairs, and political scientist Ramis Yunus. Interestingly, Azerbaijani psychologist Nermin Shahmarzadeh also addressed President Ilham Aliyev in a post, writing: "Mr. President, are you going to pay the compensation we owe for that decision regarding Ramil Safarov from your salary? Why should the people pay for your wrong decisions?" Journalist Azer Kazimzadeh also remarked that Ramil Safarov's disgraceful crime will bring many calamities upon Azerbaijan. "The West's attitude towards Azerbaijan and Azerbaijanis has changed since the murder of a sleeping man. Azerbaijan lost the case on Ramil Safarov in the European court. Due to people like Ramil Safarov, our country suffers greatly, and it has disgraced itself to such an extent that there is no point in saying anymore," wrote the journalist.