The Office of the Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters has issued a statement on the “trials” of Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan.

Regarding the progress of the “trial” of all Armenian prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians held in Azerbaijan, including Ruben Vardanyan, the Office of the Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters recalled that in 2021-2024, Armenia filed interstate lawsuits, with both the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the International Court of Justice (ICC), to protect the rights to life, freedom from torture and other cruel and degrading treatment, fair trial, liberty and personal integrity, and a number of other rights of all Armenian POWs and civilians illegally accused in Azerbaijan.

In January 2025, information and photographs regarding the above-mentioned individuals were received through the ECtHR, which were transmitted to their relatives. In response, Armenia, on February 27, submitted its observations on the positions and information presented by the Azerbaijani side, demanding that Azerbaijan be obligated to provide more detailed information. At the same time, the aforesaid court's attention was drawn to the violations in the “trial” of Ruben Vardanyan and the deterioration of his health, and additional information was requested.

In the context of the above, the Office of the Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters recalled that the decisions of the ECtHR of September 27, November 3, December 11 and 23, 2020, February 17, 2021, November 21, 2023 and November 6, 2024, which were adopted within the framework of the procedure for the application of an interim measure and relate, among other things, to the protection of the rights of detainees, including those currently in Azerbaijan, are currently in force.

The decision of the ICC of December 7, 2021, by which the Court, applying interim measures against Azerbaijan, among other things, determined that Azerbaijan is obligated to protect all persons captured and held in Azerbaijan during and after the 2020 war from violence and bodily harm, as well as to ensure their security and equality before the law, also remains in force. Also, in its decision of October 12, 2022, the Court recorded and took note of Azerbaijan’s commitment to ensure the fulfillment of the above-mentioned obligations set forth in the decision of December 7, 2021 with respect to any person of Armenian origin held in Azerbaijan.

The Office of the Representative of Armenia on International Legal Matters is following the ongoing “trials” in Azerbaijan. In accordance with the established procedure, the necessary additional evidence and claims will be submitted to the ECtHR and the ICC.