Taking into account that the judicial process of Armenian captives is starting in Baku, it is very important to once again voice the crime being committed against justice and to draw the attention of the whole world to the criminal practice of Azerbaijan in an attempt to prevent this new crime. Narine Aghabalyan, the former Minister of Culture and Youth Affairs of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), stated during Friday’s protest in front of the UN office in Armenia.

"[Artsakh former state minister] Ruben Vardanyan's statement disseminated yesterday best shows how alarming the situation is and what a shameful situation prevails in terms of justice in Baku [i.e. the capital of Azerbaijan]. It was a call to all of us, both in terms of sobriety to the Armenian public and taking proper steps for the international community to protect justice.

What was disseminated in the media yesterday in Ruben Vardanyan's statement proves that we are going to witness another staged show in Azerbaijan. It was a call to all of us not to fall for another bait by Azerbaijan to further divide, weaken, and become even more vulnerable." Aghabalyan said.

When asked what Armenia’s authorities should do in this situation, she responded as follows: "The authorities should be the first claimant of justice and protection of its citizens, which unfortunately we do not see. The argument of the whole world is that if the authorities of Armenia do not take action, then it is pointless to expect justice and protection from anyone. That is, the first claimant of justice shall be the authorities of Armenia and shall take proper steps."

Aghabalyan reminded that the Artsakh National Assembly issued a statement Thursday.

"Unfortunately, the Artsakh authorities today do not have other levers to exert pressure or having an influence, but they have expressed their position through that statement," she added.

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.