European parliament reacts to reports of Armenian POWs torture

PanARMENIAN.Net - The European Parliament is actively discussing the issue of Armenian prisoners held in Baku, with concerns mounting over their reported torture and mistreatment. Lawmakers are considering an urgent debate and a possible resolution on the matter during next week’s plenary session in Strasbourg.

According to Armenpress, discussions are underway regarding the most appropriate format for the European Parliament’s response. While no final decision has been made, urgent debates and a formal resolution remain on the table.

Azerbaijan officially acknowledges holding 23 Armenian prisoners. In addition, Baku has unlawfully detained and charged several former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh, including former presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan. Other detainees include former Speaker of the Nagorno-Karabakh Parliament Davit Ishkhanyan, former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, former Defense Minister Levon Mnatsakanyan, former Deputy Defense Minister Davit Manukyan, and former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan.

Several other individuals face politically motivated prosecutions, including Vasili Beglaryan, Erik Ghazaryan, Davit Alahverdyan, Gurgen Stepanyan, Levon Balayan, Madat Babayan, Garik Martirosyan, and Melikset Pashayanyan.

Ruben Vardanyan's case has been separated from the others, and his trial in Azerbaijan has proceeded independently. In a phone call with his family, he issued a statement condemning his trial as a politically motivated farce.

During a court hearing on February 25, Vardanyan's health deteriorated, leading to a temporary suspension of proceedings. The trial resumed shortly thereafter, with the most recent hearing held on March 4. His lawyer and family have voiced concerns about his deteriorating health and allegations of torture.

On February 28, Armenia’s Foreign Ministry also issued a statement regarding the plight of Armenian captives held in Baku.