Presumption of Innocence Violated: Human Rights Defender Comments on Arrests of Artsakh Officials

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Anahit Manasyan, addressing the arrests of former and current officials of Artsakh by Azerbaijan at the request of 'Liberty', stated that their presumption of innocence has been violated.

“Azerbaijani society and officials are already labeling them as criminals, whereas their guilt has not yet been proven in accordance with legal procedures through a court’s legally binding verdict. In this context, the possibility of guaranteeing the right to a fair trial by an independent and impartial court is brought into question,” Manasyan emphasized.

Overall, according to the Armenian Human Rights Defender, anti-Armenian sentiment is being supported and carried out at the highest level in Azerbaijan, as evidenced by reports published by international organizations.