MEP calls for sending EU representatives to follow illegal trial of  Armenian prisoners of war in Baku

ArmInfo.Member of the European Parliament Fernand Kartheiser has sent urgent written questions to the European Commission on the possibility to take action and send EU representatives to Baku to follow the trial proceedings of the  detained Armenian hostages.

According to the press service of the European Armenian Federation  for Justice and Democracy (EAFJD), the MEP recalled that the office  of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the only  international organization, that had regular access to Armenian  prisoners of war, was closed in Azerbaijan.  " This has effectively  eliminated external humanitarian monitoring of their detention  conditions. Credible reports also point to deteriorating health among  several detainees, denial of adequate medical care, lack of contact  with families, solitary confinement, and politically motivated,  fabricated charges. Despite this, during a parliamentary hearing in  Belgium last April, the Ambassador of Azerbaijan stated that trials  of Armenian detainees are open to all foreign diplomats in Baku, "  Kartheiser noted.

The MEP also mentioned that " in September, Armenian Foreign Minister  emphasized that the issue of detainees remains unresolved and that  securing their release is a critical humanitarian priority. This  issue does not hinder, but facilitates the peace process."

In light of this, Kartheiser called on the European Commission to 1.   Ensure that a representative of the EU delegation in Baku (or another  international observer) is present at upcoming trials of Armenian  detainees; 2. Facilitate urgent and independent medical assessments  for detainees at risk; 3. Provide a clear timeline for when the  Commission will publicly report on these steps and on Azerbaijan's  compliance with international obligations.