The Artsakh Union welcomes the resolution of the French National Assembly, adopted on February 3, regarding the release of Armenian prisoners, the return of the people of Artsakh, and their rights to self-determination.
“This resolution contains crucial documentation and emphases regarding both the crimes committed against the people of Artsakh and the necessary actions of the French Government and the international community. It is very important for us to see the clear and consistent assessments and exhortations of the French legislative body, and we hope that these will be followed by corresponding actions from the French Government and similar steps by the legislative and executive authorities of other countries. Furthermore, we expect to see rapid and tangible results, such as the release of all Armenian prisoners,” stated Artak Beglaryan, President of the Artsakh Union.
Resolution of the French National Assembly Demanding the release of Armenian prisoners held by Azerbaijan
The National Assembly, In reference to Article 34-1 of the Constitution, In reference to Article 136 of the Rules of Procedure,
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Recalling that the aforementioned individuals are deprived of their liberty solely because they are Armenian or held positions in the Republic of Artsakh; Considering that these prisoners are effectively state hostages whose fate is subject to blackmail and political or territorial deals; Considering that they are currently being tried on unfounded and, in some cases, entirely fabricated charges; Noting that the conditions of their detention do not ensure contact with their families, except for rare phone calls facilitated through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC); Noting that the International Committee of the Red Cross, by decision of the Azerbaijani government, closed its office in Baku on September 3, 2025, depriving prisoners of this rare opportunity for communication since June 2025; Considering that an application was submitted by the lawyer of one of the accused to the UN Special Rapporteur on Torture to condemn the ill-treatment applied to him, characterized as “torture, cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment”; Noting that the prisoners are being tried in a military court, despite the fact that most of the accused have never worn a military uniform; Noting that preliminary court hearings were held in secret under the guise of national security; Considering that the trial, even when not held behind closed doors, is closed to international observers, non-governmental organizations, and foreign media; Considering that the lawyers of the accused were granted access to the case materials only one week before the start of the trial, and foreign lawyers are prohibited from entering Azerbaijani territory and, therefore, from meeting their clients; Noting that the indictment materials are drafted in Azerbaijani or Russian and are only orally translated for the prisoners; Recalling that the lack of impartiality and independence of the Azerbaijani judicial system has been documented for years by non-governmental organizations, which emphasize the “authorities’ total control over the judicial system”; Considering that Armenia is engaged in the peace process with Azerbaijan in a transparent and constructive manner; Considering that since the announcement of the peace agreement in March 2025 and the signing of the joint statement on August 8, 2025, Azerbaijan has continuously delayed its implementation by putting forward new demands; Considering that France is obliged to support peace efforts based on international law, respect for the sovereignty of states, territorial integrity, and the fundamental rights of the populations concerned; Considering the need to strengthen ties between France and Armenia as long-standing partners in the South Caucasus region;
- Reaffirms its support for the Armenian population of Artsakh, which has been forcibly displaced from its millennial homeland;
- Recalls that the right of peoples to self-determination must be fully applied to the Armenian population of Artsakh, and that it is the responsibility of the international community to demand that Azerbaijan take all necessary measures to ensure the right to a safe and dignified return for the Armenian population of Artsakh;
- Condemns the arbitrary detention and unfair trials of the political leaders of the Republic of Artsakh and demands their immediate and unconditional release, as well as that of all Armenian prisoners held by Azerbaijan;
- Calls upon the French Government to demand that the Republic of Azerbaijan release the Armenian prisoners held by it without delay.
Discussed in open session, Paris, February 3, 2026
President of the National Assembly Signed: Yaël Braun-Pivet
Artsakh Union
