Armenian Bar Association files Global Magnitsky Sanctions complaint against Turkey’s SADAT

The Armenian Bar Association has formally submitted a complaint under the Global Magnitsky Sanctions program with the Executive Branch of the United States government against SADAT International Defense Consultancy Construction Industry and Trade Inc. (SADAT) and its Chairman, Ali Kamil Melih Tanriverdi. This action highlights allegations of serious human rights abuses and complicity in violence and instability across conflict zones, particularly in Artsakh, Libya, and Syria.

SADAT, a private paramilitary contracting firm based in Istanbul, Turkey, is accused of recruiting and deploying mercenaries to various global conflict zones while maintaining connections with known terrorist groups. The organization has reportedly recruited paid fighters, who committed numerous human rights violations in the regions where they operated, in particular during Azerbaijan’s aggression against Artsakh in 2020.

Reports from the United Nations and other organizations indicate that SADAT has been involved in recruiting not only adults but also minors, facilitating their transport to conflict areas. SADAT’s operations are closely coordinated with Turkish military and intelligence agencies, underscoring its role in advancing Turkey’s geopolitical objectives. Evidence suggests that SADAT has been integral to the logistics of these operations, including providing weapons and coordinating with local factions, all while operating with minimal oversight.

The complaint details SADAT’s predatory recruitment tactics, targeting displaced and impoverished individuals. This exploitation of vulnerable communities exacerbates the humanitarian crises in affected regions.

The role of private military companies like SADAT has become increasingly problematic, as they operate with little accountability and often act as proxy forces for state actors. Turkey’s reliance on SADAT to directly support Azerbaijan’s war machine in Artsakh has raised significant concerns about the violation of fundamental norms of armed conflict.

“Our filing under the Global Magnitsky Act is a call to the United States Treasury to take these allegations seriously and to impose sanctions against those who violate human rights with impunity.” said Lucy Varpetian, Chairwoman of the Armenian Bar Association.

The Armenian Bar Association is dedicated to promoting justice and accountability. By taking this step, the Association seeks to raise awareness of the actions of SADAT and advocate for the protection of human rights for all.