Prisoners Held for Political Interests for Trade Purposes, Tatoyan to Gallagher

Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan met with the UK Ambassador to Armenia, John Gallagher, to discuss various human rights issues.

During the meeting, Tatoyan presented the problems observed in the judicial system, including unjustified delays in court hearings, violations of reasonable timeframes, and manifestations of abuse of pre-trial detention.

Issues related to the protection of women's and children's rights were also discussed, including the awareness campaigns aimed at overcoming stereotypes initiated by the Human Rights Defender's office.

Tatoyan noted that during the state of emergency declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, a working group was established within the Defender's office to address the protection of women's and children's rights and the prevention of domestic violence. Studies during that period showed an increased risk of violence against women, children, and the elderly.

The Defender also addressed the challenges in protecting children's rights, emphasizing the importance of realizing their rights to live and grow up in a family, access education, and live an independent and inclusive life.

During the meeting, the role of journalists in guaranteeing freedom of speech and preventing hate speech was highlighted. The Human Rights Defender stressed that the presumption of legality and decency of journalists should be the axis around which respect and a positive attitude towards their professional work should be formed.

Tatoyan presented specific examples and facts regarding violations of the rights of residents of border areas by Azerbaijani armed forces. He highlighted the urgency of the return of Armenian prisoners illegally held in Azerbaijan and emphasized that people are being held for political and military interests, for trade purposes.

He insisted that Azerbaijani armed forces must withdraw from Armenian villages, often near people's homes and roads, and that a security demilitarized zone should be established. This is further exacerbated by the Azerbaijani authorities' policy of promoting hatred and hostility against Armenians.

Tatoyan underlined the importance of the role of Great Britain in the field of human rights and cooperation with that country's human rights institutions.

Ambassador John Gallagher highly appreciated the high quality of cooperation with Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan throughout his tenure and expressed a willingness for further joint work.