News.am is launching a series of interviews with international legal specialists, human rights defenders, and human rights experts to shed light on the plight of the 23 Armenian prisoners held illegally in Baku. The aim is to explore the necessary actions and mechanisms in place to protect the rights of these individuals and ensure their safe return.
The Republic of Armenia is responsible for safeguarding the rights of its citizens who are unlawfully detained in foreign territories. While attention has been drawn to the case of an Azerbaijani blogger swiftly released from custody, Armenian prisoners languishing in Baku have not received the same swift justice. Azerbaijan’s refusal to heed international calls for the release of these prisoners raises concerns.
Our series kicks off with an interview with international legal specialist Taron Simonyan. The legal team of Ruben Vardanyan, one of the detained Armenians, has reported torture and appealed to the UN. Various international forums, including the UN Human Rights Council and the European Court of Human Rights, can address cases of human rights violations.
Despite international outcry, the Armenian government’s silence on the issue is notable. Civil society organizations have a crucial role to play in advocating for the release of the prisoners. It is imperative to leverage diplomatic and legal avenues to secure the safe return of these individuals.
The need for proactive diplomatic efforts, both publicly and behind the scenes, is crucial in ensuring the release of the prisoners. The international community must unite in condemning Azerbaijan’s actions and demand justice for the unlawfully detained Armenians. Upholding human rights and seeking justice for the victims should be a top priority for all stakeholders.