Nikol Pashinyan’s recent statement about Armenian prisoners of war from the National Assembly podium caused a big wave of criticism in the expert-human rights community. When one of the deputies inquired about what information was available from the Armenian soldiers captured as a result of the recent invasion of the territory of the Republic of Armenia by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, Pashinyan, without answering the main question, hinted that it was time to properly investigate each case.
“We may have done something wrong emotionally. It must be examined what it means to be taken prisoner, under what circumstances. Military regulations state in which case captivity is not considered a crime. In any case, we must examine whether we are dealing with that case or not. If a person is captured while wounded or unconscious, then there can be no ‘pretense,’” he said.
Human rights activist Vardan Harutyunyan
Human rights activist Vardan Harutyunyan got the impression from Pashinyan’s speech that the latter said this under the influence of the moment, without going into details. “Something that does not suit the head of the country. The prime minister must understand that his every word can have a concrete impact on the people and the fate of the country,” Vardan Harutyunyan told Aravot.
We said that it is a year after the war and the President of Azerbaijan describes the Armenian prisoners of war as “terrorists,” including in the international arena. In response, Vardan Harutyunyan stated, “Of course, Azerbaijan will try to use every word and phrase to its advantage, something they do. In that sense, our people are constantly making mistakes.
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Pashinyan expresses something that he could have said in a very close friendly environment while talking to two or three friends from the NA podium or during the session of government. Naturally, all this will be used against Armenia, against our citizens, prisoners, army, and borders. After all, Azerbaijan quotes Pashinyan that this or that territory of ours is Azerbaijani. They cling to his words. He does not know and does not understand what the Prime Minister’s office, the government building means. He imagines his life as it was 3, 5, 10, 15 years ago, and he continues to do so.”
Luiza Sukiasyan
