Baku: The recently circulated videos and admissions of former prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Ocampo, are evidence revealing the sources from which a long-term and systematic information campaign against Azerbaijan originates. Member of the Milli Majlis Sabina Salmanova said in a statement to APA that this process is a complex mechanism aimed not only against Azerbaijan, but also against the political stability of the region as a whole and the international legal system. Although such campaigns have continued in various forms over the years, at the current stage, sources of financing, participants, and connections are now being openly revealed.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the MP noted that in the video materials circulated regarding Luis Ocampo, this person’s indirect admission of his involvement in a campaign against Azerbaijan and of the organizational structure of this activity raises serious questions: ‘This is no longer about ‘human rights’ rhetoric, but about a specific, commissioned political activity and a lobbying network. Such admissions cast a serious shadow on the objectivity of international institutions. The most critical aspect of the campaign is its financial backing. The video materials clearly reveal that certain Armenian-origin business circles operating in Russia are providing financial support to this process. This shows that the campaign is supported not only on Western platforms, but also through economic and diaspora structures linked to Russia. The aim is to form a long-term mechanism of informational pressure and political influence.’
Sabina Salmanova stated that the circulated materials are not limited to activities against Azerbaijan, but also clearly show elements of interference in Armenia’s internal political processes: ‘In particular, discussions of political plans against Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan are a serious warning signal for the region. This is already a direct interference in a country’s internal affairs and an attempt to undermine political stability.’
The MP noted that the exposure of lobbying and influence mechanisms within the European Parliament to this extent raises serious concern: ‘In some cases, European institutions move away from their official positions and fall under the influence of specific interest groups. This process raises questions about European values and democratic principles and poses a serious challenge for the international community. The resolution adopted by the European Parliament on April 30 should also be considered part of this general campaign. The content of that document and the political rhetoric used show that this decision is not the result of an objective assessment, but a continuation of a pre-prepared political line. This indicates that the balance of interests in the decision-making process of European institutions has been disrupted. The decision adopted by the Milli Majlis demonstrates a firm and principled approach to defending Azerbaijan’s national interests. This is a clear political message. Azerbaijan will not
retreat in the face of any external pressure or information manipulation.’
Sabina Salmanova emphasized that the current processes are a classic example of information warfare: ‘Here, media, financial, and political influence tools have been combined to form a complex attack mechanism. The goal is not only Azerbaijan, but the destabilization of the South Caucasus region as a whole. This is linked to long-term geopolitical interests and is not accidental in nature. The international community must take these facts seriously. The information that has emerged requires independent and objective investigation. If these processes are not examined, trust in international institutions may be seriously weakened. Without ensuring the principles of transparency and accountability, it is impossible to speak of a fair international system. These revelations expose new realities in international relations. We should no longer talk about individual political statements, but about a systematic network of actions built on specific interests. Such cases must be openly discussed and given legal and pol
itical assessment.’