U.S. lawmakers are calling for punitive measures against Azerbaijan after hearings revealed extensive human rights violations and ethnic cleansing in Nagorno-Karabakh.

A hearing held on April 29 by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission in the U.S. Congress focused on the state of human rights in Azerbaijan following the COP29 summit. Chaired by Representative Chris Smith, the session included testimonies from former State Minister of Artsakh Artak Beglaryan, Jared Genser—international lawyer representing Ruben Vardanyan, Miriam Lanskoy—Senior Director for Russia and Eurasia at the National Endowment for Democracy, and Andrea Prasow, Executive Director of Freedom Now, according to Aravot.am .

Speakers detailed actions by Azerbaijani authorities involving the ethnic cleansing of the Armenian population of Artsakh, abuses against detainees held in Baku, and widespread suppression of journalists, civic activists, and Azerbaijani political prisoners.

All participants urged the U.S. government to impose targeted sanctions on Azerbaijani high-ranking officials.

“I urge the U.S. Congress to implement targeted sanctions against all individuals and officials responsible for these massive atrocities,” said Beglaryan, advocating for a halt in all military aid and supplies to Azerbaijan and conditioning any support on real progress in human rights, including the release of Armenian detainees.

Jared Genser emphasized that authoritarian regimes rarely respond to friendly appeals, calling for coordinated pressure from the U.S. administration, Congress, and human rights groups to influence Azerbaijani leadership.

“Aliyev has not only imprisoned Ruben Vardanyan, but twisted the truth to justify the ethnic cleansing of an entire people. We all have a duty to stand by those unjustly detained and hold Aliyev accountable—directly and through every means available in a democratic society,” Genser stated.

Andrea Prasow warned that without a firmer stance from the U.S. and allies, Azerbaijan would continue its human rights violations unchecked. She highlighted the importance of sanctions, including travel bans and financial restrictions.

Chris Smith described the hearing as timely and impactful, noting that the testimonies would be shared with Congressional leaders and members. He expressed hope they would serve as a basis for sanction decisions.

“We have sanctions like the Global Magnitsky Act. An analysis is needed, and those sanctions must apply to all violators—including in Azerbaijan. I hope the new administration picks up this ball that is now in its court,” Smith concluded.

Azerbaijan launched a full-scale attack on Artsakh on September 19, 2023, leading to heavy shelling. On September 20, Artsakh’s leadership agreed to ceasefire terms set by Russian peacekeepers, including the disbanding of the local defense forces and dissolution of the Republic. From September 24, over 100,000 people were forcibly displaced to Armenia. Reports suggest only about 20 Armenians remain in Artsakh. President Samvel Shahramanyan signed the dissolution decree on September 28, effective January 1, 2024.