Ruben Vardanyan calls on RA Human Rights Defender to visit Armenian  prisoners in Baku 

ArmInfo. Below is a  statement by Ruben Vardanyan addressed to the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, Anahit Manasyan (conveyed during a telephone  conversation with family)

"Dear Ms. Manasyan,

I am writing to you from detention, in connection with circumstances  that, in my view, call for the active and sustained engagement of the  institution you lead.

I recently had a meeting with the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan, Sabina  Aliyeva. During that meeting, I raised a number of specific concerns  - relating to everyday conditions, medical care, legal matters,  humanitarian needs, and diplomatic issues - regarding the conditions  of detention of myself and other Armenian prisoners. These are  matters that directly affect the safety, health, and dignity of  people held in custody. In the course of our conversation, it was  also mentioned that the possibility of your visit to Baku had already  been discussed, and that the Azerbaijani side had expressed readiness  to facilitate such a visit. However, this initiative has not yet been  acted upon.

Citizens of the Republic of Armenia have been held in Azerbaijani  prisons for an extended period of time - without visits from their  families and without independent monitoring, including by the ICRC.   In these circumstances, the institution mandated to protect the  rights of Armenian citizens has demonstrated a complete absence of  initiative.  Despite the lack of diplomatic relations between the two  countries, economic negotiations are currently taking place, with  Armenian representatives physically present in Baku.  Why, then, are  questions of the life, health, and rights of prisoners not part of  the official Yerevan agenda - and why has not a single member of any  delegation ever visited the detainees?

In light of the above, I urge you to consider organizing a visit to  Baku with your participation, and, under appropriate conditions, with  the participation of relatives of Armenian prisoners as well. My  wife, Veronika Zonabend, has expressed her readiness to take part in  such a trip, as have, in all likelihood, representatives of other  families. Any such delegation must have an institutional and  consistent character, with the political backing of the Prime  Minister of Armenia, who bears responsibility before the citizens of  his country.

The issues I raised with the Azerbaijani Ombudsman require  coordination between the ombudsmen of both countries. The absence of  such coordination constitutes a de facto denial of the only available  humanitarian channel.

In this regard, I ask you to provide a public response to the  following questions:

1. Is there consideration being given to organizing an official visit  to Baku by a delegation that includes relatives of Armenian  prisoners?

2. How does your institution plan to coordinate with the Azerbaijani  Ombudsman on humanitarian matters concerning citizens of the Republic  of Armenia?

3. What measures has your office already taken to protect the rights  of Armenian prisoners since the time of their detention?

I believe that in the current situation it is critically important to  urgently engage all available humanitarian and legal mechanisms. The  failure of the Government of Armenia to act in the interests of its  own citizens unlawfully held in Azerbaijan is incompatible with the  obligations of the state towards its people.

Ruben Vardanyan"

The exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in  Azerbaijani prisons remains unknown. Experts estimate the number to  be several hundred. Currently, Azerbaijani authorities confirm the  presence of 19 Armenians in their custody. Among those held in  Azerbaijani captivity are eight former and current members of the  military- political leadership of Artsakh. These include former  Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik  Harutyunyan; former Foreign Minister David Babayan; as well as  Parliament Speaker David Ishkhanyan; former Commander of the Artsakh  Defense Army General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David Manukyan; and  former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan.

Today, the Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, David  Babayan, David Ishkhanyan, David Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to  life imprisonment, and Bako Sahakyan, Arkady Ghukasyan, and Ruben  Vardanyan to 20 years in prison on trumped- up charges. The so-called  court sentenced the remaining Artsakh residents to up to 15 years in  prison.