PM condemns unlawful pressure on Armenian POWs in Baku

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, speaking during a Q&A session with the government in parliament, responded to MP Gegham Nazaryan’s question regarding footage showing signs of violence during court proceedings in Baku. He stated that prohibited influence is taking place, which is unacceptable.

He emphasized that the Armenian side has clearly assessed the trials in Baku, noting reports of the use of prohibited methods and torture, according to 1lurer.am .

The Prime Minister said these facts have already become evident, and Armenia’s Foreign Ministry has presented a clear stance on the matter. He stressed that the government will continue efforts to raise awareness of the issue and take appropriate measures.

“I say again, whenever situations arise involving prisoners, hostages, or other detainees, a natural question arises: What is our diplomacy doing? Our diplomacy is doing everything possible, and I want to emphasize that it operates under the principle of 'do no harm.'

A common question is where these diplomatic efforts are and why they are not visible. In response, I always refer to the example of December 2023, when 32 of our compatriots were repatriated. Until the final official announcement, we never disclosed any details, including because we were convinced that revealing such information would undermine previous efforts and reduce their effectiveness,” he said.

The Prime Minister stated that Armenia’s assessment is clear: prohibited methods, including physical and psychological pressure, as well as other banned techniques, are being used.

"Our assessment is clear: prohibited methods are being used, including physical and psychological pressure, and based on some of our information, other prohibited means as well. This is naturally unacceptable to us," Pashinyan stated.

Armenia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement emphasizing that it continues to draw international attention to the issue of Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and other detainees held in Azerbaijan. It also condemned the staged trials conducted with serious procedural violations and clear signs of torture.

Human rights lawyer Siranush Sahakyan reported that recent photos of former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan show visible injuries on his body. Vardanyan has been on a hunger strike for a week. During his latest court appearance, his health deteriorated sharply, and photos from the courtroom revealed facial injuries. Despite this, the court forced him to participate in the hearing. His international lawyer recently provided details about his condition, warning that his life is in serious danger.