WASHINGTON, DC – Thirty-six U.S. Representatives – led by Representatives Dina Titus (D-NV) and Chris Smith (R-NJ) – have called on Secretary of State Marco Rubio to impose Global Magnitsky sanctions on Azerbaijani officials responsible for grave human rights abuses against Armenians, including the illegal detention, abuse, and sham trials of Armenian prisoners of war and former Artsakh leaders. The ANCA welcomed this bipartisan Congressional letter, demanding accountability and justice for the Armenian people of Artsakh.
“This bipartisan letter – led by Representatives Dina Titus and Chris Smith – sends a powerful message that America must stand on the side of justice and accountability,” stated ANCA Executive Director Aram Hamparian. “We thank all the Members of Congress who signed this letter for demanding immediate Magnitsky sanctions against Azerbaijani officials involved in war crimes and the unlawful detention of Armenian political leaders and POWs. Durable peace in the region requires the release of all illegally detained Armenians, the withdrawal of Azerbaijani forces from Armenian territory, and, of course, support for the right of Artsakh Armenians to collectively return to their ancestral homes with dignity and security.”
