And interview was conducted with Siranush Sahakyan, the Armenian captives’ representative at the European Court of Human Rights. Below is the text of this interview.

Ms. Sahakyan, yesterday Azerbaijani media reported that the Azerbaijani Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, visited the Armenian prisoners, who allegedly expressed satisfaction with their conditions. In the photos that were shared, Ruben Vardanyan, in particular, appeared visibly exhausted and, notably, he was photographed outside. What is your response to this?

We have already correctly pointed out that the published text and photos are clearly contradictory. Regarding the Azerbaijani Ombudsman, her assessments cannot be considered impartial. She lacks "A" status, which means she does not adhere to the Paris Principles. As an Ombudsman, she lacks functional independence and is dependent on the executive branch. Therefore, the reports she submits cannot be considered credible.

Let me clarify this important point further. The Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, operating under the auspices of the United Nations (UN), promotes the implementation of the Paris Principles, which set the standards for the independence and functioning of national human rights institutions. The "A" status indicates full compliance with the Paris Principles, while "B" status reflects partial compliance and functional dependence. Institutions with "A" status are able to collaborate with various UN human rights mechanisms, and their reports are considered credible. In contrast, institutions with "B" status, such as the Azerbaijani Ombudsman, are not deemed credible.

Additionally, published studies reveal that the Azerbaijani Ombudsman has close ties to the Aliyev political elite, which raises concerns about political entanglement. She is the daughter of a prominent figure in Azerbaijan, Yasha Aliyev, and her husband is a deputy in the Mejlis and an active politician. The Ombudsman has also received several awards from Ilham Aliyev, including honors in the military sphere for her cooperation.

Therefore, the only assessments we consider credible are those of human rights and independent international experts, whom Azerbaijan has denied access to our prisoners.

Yesterday, the so-called "trial" of Ruben Vardanyan continued, and the day before, the so-called "trial" of other prisoners and the former military-political leadership of Artsakh took place, with the testimonies of Arayik Harutyunyan and Levon Mnatsakanyan being published. What new observations can you provide regarding these developments?

It is noteworthy that we only have photos from the Azerbaijani state news agency Azertaj, which are then circulated by all other media outlets. This time, however, no video was published, likely to avoid revealing Ruben Vardanyan’s condition following his 15-day hunger strike. Vardanyan’s case is unique, and his health and life are clearly at risk. Despite his condition, he refuses to testify, as there seems to be no point in doing so after reviewing the "accusations" that have been published.

As for our other political prisoners, we have no way of knowing whether the statements being reported by Azerbaijani media are accurate or if they truly made those remarks. Only one state media outlet is present at the sessions, and their reports are heavily edited.

You mentioned that Vardanyan's life and health are in danger. What should be done regarding this?

I sincerely wish I could convince him to end the hunger strike, as that is the most important priority right now. Everything possible—and even the impossible—is being done to ensure that all available international humanitarian measures are utilized. The situation is rapidly evolving into a strictly humanitarian crisis.