PreferredIt is obvious that for almost a year and a half now, after the illegal arrest of both Ruben Vardanyan and Artsakh's other military and political leadership, the Azerbaijani authorities continue to commit illegalities, starting with the fact that the accusations that were made have nothing to do with reality. Mesrop Arakelyan, co-founder of the opposition Country of Living party of Armenia, told this to reporters at the protest outside the UN office in Armenia—and with a demand for the release of the Armenians being held captive in Azerbaijan.
"In recent weeks, certain accusations were also added [by Azerbaijan], in general, which are of the fantasy genre, related to the war of the [19]90s. Also, no proper opportunity was given regularly to [the former Minister of State of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh)] Ruben Vardanyan and other captives to get familiarized with the [case] materials, to involve lawyers. It is obvious that the dictatorial regime of Azerbaijan has repeatedly shown its attitude not only to the Armenian prisoners of war, but in general, Azerbaijan, as a state, how it protects human rights. Therefore, as sad as it is, this attitude of the Baku authorities is not surprising," said Arakelyan.
Referring to the aggressive attitude of Azerbaijan especially towards Ruben Vardanyan, Arakelyan said: "Ruben Vardanyan's activities in 2022, when he went to Artsakh, were received with considerable aggression from the first moment by the Azerbaijani authorities, which Azerbaijan spoke about in various international forums. This attitude was applied to any event related to Artsakh and Artsakh in general. It is known from open sources that, apart from Ruben Vardanyan, one total case has been formulated against the military leadership of Artsakh, in which the events of the [19]90s make up a large part. With this, Azerbaijan is attempting to show its attitude to Armenia that there were not military operations, but crimes were committed in the [19]90s.
It’s a pity here that Armenia’s authorities do not respond to these accusations because they are not against individuals, but they are accusations as a phenomenon that crimes have taken place in Artsakh since the [19]90s. These do not refer to these persons, but to the phenomenon itself."
Arakelyan added that Armenia's silence does not harm the Armenians in Artsakh first of all, but Armenia and Armenia's statehood.
And when asked whether he considers it possible that Armenia’s authorities simply do not want to see Artsakh's military and political figures in Armenia, Arakelyan responded: "It is not desirable to think that their attitude is at that level. But unfortunately, the actions show that the work being carried out in that direction gives a very weak chance not only for the military-political leadership of Artsakh, but also for the release of all prisoners of war. Zero attitude is shown in that direction."
As reported earlier, the “trial” of 15 of the 23 Armenians held captive in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, will start today in a Baku court.
