House Passes Cárdenas-Sherman Amendment that Demands Investigation into Azerbaijani War Crimes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House voted to adopt an amendment led by Congressman Tony Cárdenas (D-CA) and Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA) as part of the annual defense authorization bill. The amendment calls for an investigation into Azerbaijani war crimes that were committed against Armenians in Artsakh.

"The world witnessed the consequences of Azerbaijan's unchecked hatred against Armenians during the invasion of Artsakh in 2020 as Azeri forces committed horrendous war crimes against Armenian civilians, including women and the elderly, and illegally imprisoned Armenian POWs after the cessation of hostilities," said Congressman Sherman. "This amendment is critical in our efforts to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its heinous acts of aggression and sends a strong message calling on Azerbaijan to honor its obligation for the unconditional and safe return to Armenia of all remaining Armenian prisoners of war."

The Cárdenas-Sherman Amendment calls for the State Department and Defense Department to issue a report that details the use of U.S. parts in Turkish drones used by Azerbaijan against Armenians in Artsakh.

The amendment also calls for an investigation into Azerbaijan's use of white phosphorous, cluster bombs and other prohibited munitions deployed against Artsakh and Turkey's and Azerbaijan's recruitment of foreign terrorist fighters during the 2020 Artsakh war.

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