Trial of Armenian Prisoners in Azerbaijan Violates International Law: Ombudsman

The trials against Armenian prisoners Lyudvik Mkrtchyan, Alyosha Khosrovian, and Vigen Euljekyan in Azerbaijan are gross violations of their rights and a breach of international law, stated Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan.

“Azerbaijani publications indicate that charges have been brought against Armenian prisoners for alleged torture, creating unlawful armed formations or groups, and other acts,” he noted.

Tatoyan emphasized that all individuals mentioned were captured within the context of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which is still ongoing. All Armenian servicemen and civilians held in Azerbaijan are considered prisoners of war.

“Therefore, any form of persecution or trial against any of them is a gross violation of international law, and their detention is a prohibited punishment. These rules derive directly from the requirements of international humanitarian law,” Tatoyan stated.

Moreover, Azerbaijani authorities are pursuing criminal charges against Armenian prisoners based on so-called