Measures Are Being Taken to Visit Prisoners in Azerbaijan, Says Bar Association

The continuous representation of our compatriots held in captivity at the European Court of Human Rights is a necessity. This information has been shared by the Bar Association, adding that this conclusion was reached by the lawyers during today’s discussions.

“The team representing the interests of those in captivity is taking measures to visit clients in places of detention in Azerbaijan and has expressed readiness to seek the assistance of volunteer lawyers if the goal is achieved. During the discussions, all potential risks associated with lawyers traveling to Azerbaijan and providing legal assistance to our compatriots in captivity were presented.

As a result of the discussions, the participants concluded that the continuous representation of our compatriots held in captivity at the European Court of Human Rights is necessary. For this purpose, the team representing the interests of those in captivity is taking measures to visit clients in places of detention in Azerbaijan and has expressed willingness to seek the assistance of volunteer lawyers to achieve this goal.

At the same time, the Armenian Bar Association reiterates that the discussion does not pertain to the protection of our compatriots in captivity before the courts established by Azerbaijan's domestic legislation, and it aligns with the assessments of the Armenian authorities and representatives of civil society that those trials cannot be considered legitimate,” the statement noted.

It is reminded that lawyer Hayk Alumyann stated that Azerbaijani courts cannot provide effective protective measures for our prisoners. The issue is that the trials taking place there are formal in nature, aimed at legitimizing predetermined acts. Therefore, when visiting the prisoners in Baku, the possibility of applying to the European Court of Human Rights on their behalf should be discussed.