“Applying to the ECHR is not enough to release Ruben Vardanyan,” Tatoyan

Ruben Vardanyan's detention by the Azerbaijani border service is blatantly illegal and entirely arbitrary. Illegally depriving a person of their freedom and abducting them is a crime, wrote former Armenian Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan.

“This criminal act could set a dangerous precedent for Azerbaijan, given previous incidents. This decision is solely motivated by the anti-Armenian policies of the Azerbaijani authorities and revenge motives. The government of the Republic of Armenia is obligated to take every step necessary to secure the release of those unlawfully detained and abducted. While applying to the European Court of Human Rights is essential for the purpose of their release, it is by no means sufficient; a comprehensive array of political and legal measures is required,” he stated.