Baku Sets Several Conditions for Returning Armenian Prisoners, Positive Developments Expected in 1-2 Months - Siranush Sahakyan

We have clear information that there will be a positive shift regarding the return of Armenian prisoners in 1-2 months. This was stated in an interview with NEWS.am by Siranush Sahakyan, a lawyer representing the interests of Armenian prisoners at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR).

“Currently, the process is in a stagnant state. We do not expect any positive developments in the short term, but all of this is multifaceted, with political factors also being predominant; we do not rule out that structural or state repositionings may lead to shifts. We have clear information that there will definitely be positive developments regarding the return of prisoners in the next 1-2 months. These are not deadlines, but given the changing situation, where developments occur rapidly, we do not exclude that certain changes may result in movement on this issue,” Sahakyan noted.

She emphasized that we are already witnessing much broader structures becoming involved, which have started to raise the issue of returning prisoners more prominently. “Certain political developments are also expected in Armenia, which could intensify work and ensure shifts,” she added.

Referring to the recent incident regarding the return of Armenian prisoners, which turned out to be misinformation, Sahakyan stated that they were not the carriers of information about that case. “We do not rule out that the Russian-Azerbaijani sides may organize visits for various discussions, but these visits do not always lead to repatriation. Being aware that Muradov visited Baku, we did not unconditionally conclude that prisoners would be repatriated. In the case of repatriation, specific agreements must be reached; under the conditions of such tense statements, it is unlikely that such an agreement would be possible. It was perplexing for us that such a vigorous manner of announcing statements was occurring, including official confirmations,” she said.

Siranush Sahakyan indicated that Baku has set several conditions for returning Armenian prisoners. “There are requirements; if there were no requirements and no political agenda issues, repatriation would have happened a long time ago. The end of the war implies that all prisoners should be returned without conditions. The negotiating parties also note that no shifts could be recorded on the issue of prisoners' repatriation. This indicates that the return of prisoners on the negotiation table is dependent on the political topics being discussed. The issue is politicized. Azerbaijan holds leverage to ensure and compel the Armenian side to fully comply with political agreements, such as withdrawing the RA Armed Forces from Artsakh, returning certain territories, and granting rights concerning Syunik,” she stated.

According to Sahakyan, as long as these issues remain open and are within the discussion realm, the issue of prisoners will also be artificially placed in dependency on these matters.

Siranush Sahakyan also reported that there are official confirmations regarding 72 Armenian military or civilian prisoners. “We have 70 proven cases and substantiated assumptions that around 50 more individuals may be presumed prisoners,” she concluded.