By Alexander Pracht
Armenia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement Friday, drawing the international community’s attention to the plight of ethnic Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and other detained persons in Azerbaijan, describing their ongoing trials as “staged” as well as pointing out procedural violations and torture.
“We are deeply concerned about the video recordings and photos from the trial of 23 ethnic Armenian prisoners,” the statement said.
The ministry pointed to reports from lawyers representing the detainees, including Ruben Vardanyan who is currently on hunger strike, mentioning “coercion, torture, and a clear deterioration in the detainees’ health.”
The Foreign Ministry added that these concerns are backed by the United Nations Committee Against Torture, as well as documented evidence of ill-treatment toward Armenian prisoners, reported by Human Rights Watch and other organizations. The statement also criticized Azerbaijani authorities for refusing to cooperate with international bodies, including the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture.
The statement stressed that the detention of ethnic Armenian prisoners “is a gross violation of international humanitarian law,” citing violations of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention against Torture, and the 1949 Geneva Convention, among other international agreements.
Armenian officials believe Azerbaijan is using the ongoing trial as “a tool of political pressure on Armenia,” noting that this issue is particularly sensitive for the prisoners’ families and society at large.
The ministry also expressed concern that these developments are happening amid persisting propaganda of ethnic hatred against Armenians in Azerbaijani media.
“Any comprehensive conflict settlement requires fostering a readiness for peace, and deliberately keeping humanitarian issues unresolved does not contribute to this goal — it only makes it less likely,” the statement concluded.
The prisoners in question include former political leaders of the now-defunct Nagorno-Karabakh republic, servicemen captured as prisoners of war during both the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war and the 2023 ethnic cleansing, as well as civilians. Ruben Vardanyan, the former cabinet leader of Karabakh, is being tried separately and faces a lifetime sentence on dozens of charges, including terrorism. Protesting the proceedings against him, he began a hunger strike last week and is now being forced to attend court sessions despite his worsening health condition.
The Armenian government deserves commendation for its unwavering efforts in advocating for the rights and well-being of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan. Despite having limited leverage over Aliyev’s regime, the government has consistently raised the issue on international platforms, seeking diplomatic solutions and pressing for the humane treatment and release of these individuals. Such efforts should be recognized and appreciated, as they reflect a commitment to protecting Armenian citizens and upholding fundamental human rights, even in the face of immense geopolitical challenges.
However, this responsibility does not fall solely on the government. The burden of advocacy must also be shared by civil society, human rights organizations, and the broader international community. Civil society groups, both in Armenia and globally, must persistently voice their concerns and apply sustained pressure on international bodies, ensuring that the plight of these prisoners is not ignored. Media outlets, non-governmental organizations, and human rights defenders should work collectively to highlight these injustices, mobilizing public opinion and diplomatic efforts to secure their release.
At the same time, public anger and frustration over the tragic events in Artsakh should not be misdirected. A significant share of responsibility lies with the Russian Embassy in Armenia and, more broadly, Russia’s so-called peacekeepers, who utterly failed in their mandate to protect the Artsakh Armenian population and its leadership. Under Russia’s watch, Artsakh’s Armenians was forced to flee their homeland, and their leadership was arrested and subjected to sham trials in Azerbaijan. The role of Russian forces in Artsakh was purportedly to ensure peace and security, yet their inaction in the face of Azerbaijan’s military aggression has exposed their failure and disregard for Armenian lives.
The Armenian government has taken necessary steps to bring attention to these issues, but broader engagement is essential. Governments alone cannot compel authoritarian regimes to act justly; it requires a concerted effort from all who stand for human rights and justice. Recognizing the Armenian government’s role in this struggle is crucial but so is encouraging and mobilizing all relevant actors – especially civil society and international organizations – to continue advocating tirelessly for the return of Armenian prisoners, the accountability of those who failed to protect the people of Artsakh, and the protection of fundamental human rights.
Best regards,
Berge Jololian