Siranush Sahakyan, the Armenian prisoners’ of war representative at the European Court of Human Rights and president of the International Comparative Law Center, emphasized the state’s obligation to protect the rights of its citizens, regardless of their political views. In an interview with Armenian News-NEWS.am, she discussed the challenges faced in securing the release of Armenian prisoners and hostages held in Baku, Azerbaijan.
Despite Prime Minister’s claims of daily efforts, little progress has been made in the release of detainees like Ruben Vardanyan. Sahakyan highlighted the legal tools available to the Republic of Armenia for negotiating the release of its citizens, including effective diplomatic negotiations, access to consular services, and public condemnation of illegal detention.
She emphasized that these measures apply to all 23 Armenian detainees, irrespective of their citizenship status. The government’s duty to uphold international human rights obligations extends to all Armenians, regardless of dual citizenship.
It is crucial for the state to actively pursue the release of its citizens and uphold their rights, even in the face of diplomatic challenges. The international community must continue to pressure Azerbaijan for the immediate release of all Armenian detainees.