During a special conference of the European Parliament on the issue of the immediate release and return of Armenia captives from Azerbaijan, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, prioritized international pressure against Azerbaijan, which will enable the prevention of further violence.
The conference was organized by the efforts of the head of the EU-Armenia partnership group in the European Parliament, Loucas Fourlas.
When asked how many Armenian prisoners are currently in Azerbaijan, Arman Tatoyan said that there are approximately 300. He also said that there are several different groups: people whom Azerbaijan has confirmed are in Azerbaijan, and people about whom Azerbaijan refuses to provide any information.
Regarding violence and mistreatment of the Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan, the Human Rights Defender said, “What is taking place now isn’t simply individual incidents of violence or restrictions. They are gross violations of international standards. And only a systematic approach can prevent further violence. There must be international pressure to prevent further violence.”
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According to Arman Tatoyan, not only political messages but also human rights messages from the international community will also contribute to the immediate release of Armenian captives.
Tatev Harutyunyan
