A group of Artsakh organizations issued a petition during a protest on January 17, urging Armenian authorities to exert international pressure for the release of Armenian captives held in Azerbaijani prisons and to ensure their fundamental rights are protected.

The petition emphasizes that trials against Armenians in Azerbaijan are aimed at collective punishment and humiliation of the Armenian people. It criticizes the Armenian government for neglecting its obligations in resolving these issues during negotiations with Azerbaijan and international partners and, at times, engaging in harmful actions.

The demands include:

-Applying maximum pressure on the Aliyev regime to secure the immediate release of all Armenian captives, including prisoners of war, political prisoners, and civilians.

-Protecting the fundamental rights of Armenian captives in Azerbaijani prisons until their release.

-Clarifying the fate of missing and forcibly disappeared individuals.

-Launching international mechanisms to protect Artsakh’s cultural heritage and public and private property.

-Initiating international processes to ensure the safe and dignified return of displaced Artsakh Armenians.

-Avoiding statements or actions suggesting the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group or abandoning international legal claims.

-Supporting the proper implementation of international court rulings in inter-state complaints, which Azerbaijan and Armenian authorities currently disregard.

-Referring Azerbaijan’s crimes against Armenians, including forced displacement of the Artsakh population, to the International Criminal Court.

The petition accuses Armenian authorities of enabling Azerbaijan’s impunity for crimes against Armenians through inaction and missteps. It highlights ongoing threats posed by the destruction of Armenian cultural heritage, anti-Armenian policies, and aggression.

Baku has confirmed holding 23 Armenian captives, 17 of whom were taken during Azerbaijan’s military aggression against Artsakh in September 2023. Among them are Ruben Vardanyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, Davit Manukyan, Davit Babayan, Davit Ishkhanyan, and former Artsakh presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan.

On January 16, Ruben Vardanyan stated he has not provided testimony since his arrest, apart from his name. He declared that all documents bearing his signature are falsified and reported being subjected to pressure along with his lawyer and translator.