YEREVAN – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia has issued a statement regarding the “trial” in Azerbaijan of Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and detainees. The statement highlights reports of torture and deteriorating health among the detainees, including Ruben Vardanyan, who is currently on a hunger strike.
The Novosti-Armenia news agency provides the full text of the statement:
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Armenia continues to draw the attention of the international community—particularly those partners committed to regional peace and humanitarian values—to the issue of the unlawful detention of Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and other detainees in Azerbaijan. Additionally, we highlight the staged trials conducted against some of them, which feature gross procedural violations and clear indications of torture.
Publications, including videos and photographs of the so-called trials of 23 Armenian prisoners of war and other detainees, as well as statements from their legal representatives, including Ruben Vardanyan’s lawyer, underscore serious concerns regarding mistreatment, torture, and severe health deterioration.
These practices have been corroborated by reports from the UN Committee Against Torture, Human Rights Watch, and other human rights organizations. Furthermore, the Azerbaijani authorities have consistently failed to cooperate with international bodies, including the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. Armenia continues to receive reports indicating the use of prohibited measures against Armenian prisoners.
The continued illegal detention of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan is a blatant violation of international obligations and fundamental human rights. Their arrest and prosecution contravene international humanitarian law, including:
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
- The Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment
- The Fourth Geneva Convention (1949)
- The European Convention on Human Rights
It is evident that Azerbaijani authorities are using these trials as a tool for political pressure on Armenia and to manipulate public opinion, exploiting the sensitivity of this issue for affected families and society as a whole.
A particularly troubling aspect of these trials is that they are occurring within a broader context of continued ethnic hatred propaganda against Armenians in Azerbaijani media.
A comprehensive resolution to any conflict requires the preparation of societies for peace. However, the artificial prolongation of humanitarian issues only hinders peace efforts. This concern has been repeatedly raised in discussions with Azerbaijan and on various international platforms. We hope that the Azerbaijani authorities will prioritize genuine peace over hostility and short-term political maneuvers.
Armenia cannot remain indifferent to these injustices. We will continue to advocate for the rights and release of Armenian prisoners at various diplomatic levels and international forums, seeking tangible progress and solutions.”
