PM says psychotropic substances used on Armenians in Baku

PanARMENIAN.Net - Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated in an interview with Public Television that detained former political and military leaders of Artsakh in Baku are being administered psychotropic substances. He cited intelligence reports supporting these claims.

He emphasized that the goal of these actions is to provoke escalation.

"What is happening is not only alarming but is also intended to incite escalation in the region. Intelligence reports indicate that prohibited psychotropic substances are being used on these individuals to extract testimonies aimed at provoking regional escalation. This trial is being weaponized against the Republic of Armenia," the Prime Minister said.

Pashinyan added that forces both within and outside the region are working to generate new escalation.

"Everything starts with verbal disputes; they are trying to drag us into these confrontations," he said, stressing that Armenia's strategy is focused on avoiding war.

He also responded to criticisms claiming that "nothing is being done" to secure the release of the Armenians held in Baku.

"We do not consider anyone there as our adversary. We fully understand the processes taking place," he said.

The Prime Minister also addressed a number of internal and external political issues.

He announced that the government has no plans to hold snap elections.

Regarding the border demarcation process, Pashinyan stated that no Armenian strategic infrastructure will be placed under the control of another country.

On military reforms, the Prime Minister highlighted that the discourse around Ararat and Aragats is aimed at addressing practical issues.

"If our rhetoric is only about holding up pictures of Ararat and asking for weapons, no one will give us any weapons," he said.

Addressing economic reforms, Pashinyan noted that universal income declaration could enhance social support and revealed that the mandatory AMD 3,000 fee for declaration will be abolished.

In September 2023, following a nine-month blockade of Artsakh and the ethnic cleansing of its entire Armenian population, Azerbaijan detained several former Artsakh leaders, including ex-presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan, as well as former state minister Ruben Vardanyan, foreign minister Davit Babayan, and other officials. The fabricated charges against them could lead to life imprisonment. On January 17, the first trial hearing for Artsakh's leaders took place in Baku.

On January 16, Ruben Vardanyan declared in a statement that he has given no testimony since his arrest, apart from providing his name. He confirmed that all protocols signed in his name are falsified and that he, along with his lawyer and translator, has been subjected to pressure.