The Azerbaijani Embassy in France has confirmed that the Paris Court of Appeals has increased the sentence for Loris Tovmasian (also spelled Tufanyan), a radical Armenian nationalist involved in the 2022 attack on Azerbaijan’s embassy in Paris.
In a statement released on July 8, 2025, the Embassy said:
“On July 8, 2025, the Paris Court of Appeals handed down a stricter sentence in the case concerning the attack by radical Armenian nationalists on the Azerbaijani Embassy in France—revising the earlier verdict by the trial court.”
Background: The Embassy Attack
On September 18, 2022, members of the radical Armenian group “Charjoum” stormed the Azerbaijani embassy in Paris, causing property damage and sparking international outcry. Evidence from the incident was submitted to French judicial authorities, and Azerbaijani officials demanded accountability for the organizers and participants.
In its June 23, 2023 ruling, a Paris court sentenced Loris Tovmasian, one of the group’s key figures, to 6 months of suspended prison time and issued a monetary fine.
Sentence Now Toughened
Following an appeal by the prosecution, the Court of Appeals on June 10, 2025, heard the case again and announced its decision on July 8:
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Suspended sentence extended from 6 to 12 months
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Ban on owning or carrying firearms for 5 years
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Fine increased, though the new amount was not publicly disclosed
Azerbaijan Welcomes Ruling
The Azerbaijani Embassy called the decision “an important step toward deterring similar attacks in the future,” underlining that attacks on diplomatic premises violate international law and France’s commitments under the Vienna Convention.
Criticism and Context
Critics of the initial 2023 ruling had argued that the original sentence was too lenient, particularly given the diplomatic sensitivity of the crime. Diplomatic missions are protected under international law, and damage or aggression against an embassy is often considered a serious offense.
Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry had previously expressed frustration over the lack of swift and harsh legal consequences, viewing it as a sign of double standards in how European courts treat politically motivated violence targeting foreign diplomatic institutions.
Broader Implications
The Charjoum movement, while claiming to advocate for Armenian causes, has been linked to violent protest actions across Europe. This latest ruling is being watched closely in diplomatic circles as a possible precedent-setting decision in how European courts address politically charged acts of vandalism or aggression.
The updated sentence is seen not only as a form of delayed justice but also as a message that Europe will not tolerate violent disruptions of diplomatic relations—regardless of political motivations.
