Protesters urge MFA to brief intl diplomats on POWs issue

PanARMENIAN.Net - Demonstrators gathered near the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) demanded that the ministry urgently convene accredited diplomats in Armenia to present the illegal actions occurring in Baku and to call for concrete measures in this regard.

The protesters held photographs of Armenian detainees unlawfully held in Azerbaijan, Armenpress reports.

During the protest, one participant highlighted the unacceptable silence of the international community on this issue.

Additionally, a statement from February 19 by Ruben Vardanyan, the former State Minister of Artsakh currently detained in Baku, was read aloud. In his statement, Vardanyan detailed the illegal actions being taken against him.

"This trial is not just against me; it's an attempt to condemn all Armenians who have supported Artsakh and its people. This is a blow aimed at an entire nation. I refuse to participate in this farce," Vardanyan stated, calling on international organizations and media to intervene to prevent these illegalities.

Protesters emphasized that Vardanyan has been on a hunger strike for ten days and, despite his deteriorating health, was forced to attend the latest court session, which is unacceptable by all international standards.

"Ruben Vardanyan, while on a hunger strike, was compelled to attend the last court session. The signs of torture on his face and his health deterioration during the session once again highlight Azerbaijan's atrocities. According to all international norms, individuals on a hunger strike are exempt from attending court sessions at that time. However, he was forced to participate," stated Mesrop Arakelyan, co-founder of the "Country to Live" party, adding that the next court session is scheduled for next week.

Arakelyan stressed the importance of Vardanyan ending his hunger strike but also emphasized that Armenia's MFA must actively raise the issue of compatriots detained in Baku on an international level.

"At the same time, we understand that Azerbaijan's current behavior doesn't allow this issue to be resolved solely by Armenia's efforts. However, Armenia must be the one to voice this issue in international forums," Arakelyan said, expressing dissatisfaction with the actions taken by Armenia's authorities.

The protesters then marched to Republic Square to continue their demonstration in front of the government building and later planned to proceed to the UN office.

During the protest in front of the government building, Mane Tandilyan, co-chair of the Country to Live party, declared that Ruben Vardanyan is dying in an Azerbaijani prison.

"They are sentencing him to life. Are we going to tolerate this? We are losing one of our best sons in an Azerbaijani prison. It will be a shame for us. Wake up.

"People are asking why you went. Because you wouldn't do it, that's why we have such questions. You wouldn't leave your comfortable places and go to Artsakh," she said, as reported by Panorama.am .

Tandilyan also harshly criticized the authorities and those who question the struggle in Artsakh.

"You were hiding here like cowards while the people of Artsakh thought you had forgotten them. You want to forget these people too, who fought in Artsakh until their last breath. Shame on all of you who ask, 'Why didn't you fight?' Who are you? Did you know what was happening there? So many casualties in those few days... You were just dreaming they wouldn't come, so they wouldn't be a headache for you," she concluded.

*Ruben Vardanyan has begun a hunger strike to protest the legal proceedings organized against him by Azerbaijan. His international lawyer, Jared Genser, issued a statement emphasizing that Vardanyan's health and safety are in serious danger.

Vardanyan's son also released a video message, asserting that his father has been subjected to torture.*