Zhoghovurd newspaper of Armenia writes as follows, in part: The military-political leadership of Artsakh [(Nagorno-Karabakh)] has been illegally detained in [Azerbaijani capital] Baku for almost a year already.
During this time, repeated alerts are received about the deterioration of the health condition of the Artsakh officials in Baku.
According to highly informed sources of Zhoghovurd daily, the health condition of AR [(Artsakh Republic)] former presidents Bako Sahakyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, Artsakh former state minister Ruben Vardanyan, and Artsakh DA [(Defense Army)] former commander Levon Mnatsakanyan has deteriorated sharply again in recent days, which proves their inhumane treatment and gross violation of international norms in Baku prisons.
According to our information, Levon Mnatsakanyan has serious diabetes problems; his illness has worsened in prison conditions in Baku.
AR former president of Bako Sahakyan has serious blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.
Ruben Vardanyan's family had announced back in April that he is on a hunger strike, demanding the immediate release of all Armenian prisoners [in Azerbaijan]. Due to the hunger strike and poor detention conditions, Ruben Vardanyan's health has also deteriorated.
And Arayik Harutyunyan made it clear during the conversation with his relatives that they should stop hoping for their return and live without them.
Zhoghovurd daily inquired from Zara Amatuni, head of communication programs of the delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Armenia, when the [Red Cross] delegates last visited the officials of Artsakh held in Baku and what their state of health is.
"The employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Baku have periodically continued to visit all the Armenians who are detained in Azerbaijan. Among the detained persons are also people whose names were confirmed to our organization by the authorities of Azerbaijan. The last such meeting with these persons took place during the month of July and, naturally, the health condition of these persons and their treatment, conditions of detention were and continue to be in the center of our attention; however, our organization cannot comment on all this on the public platform, as according to the procedure, disturbing current or general matters related to these issues are discussed only with the authorities, as well as with their family members.
The only thing I can add is that within the framework of the visits of our delegates, each person is given the opportunity to contact their relatives," said Amatuni.
