Human Rights Defender Addresses Armenian Prisoner Issues

The issue of Armenian prisoners is not just a concern for Armenia or Armenians, but is relevant to the entire international community, stated Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan in an interview with Armenpress.

"Because violations of the fundamental rights of prisoners lead to various perceptions regarding their lack of protection worldwide," she noted.

According to the Human Rights Defender, this issue is not directly included within the scope of the Defender's mandate, but considering that it pertains to fundamental human rights problems, she is continually engaged with these matters. "Most of the work is of a confidential nature, and we seldom speak publicly about these issues. At the same time, I must mention that I consistently raise this issue in my communications with almost all international organizations, not just vocalizing this problem, but in several situations providing specific analyses regarding rights violations to international partners. For example, in connection with the preparation of videos and reports involving prisoners on various Azerbaijani television channels, concerns about the proceedings conducted against ethnic Armenians in Azerbaijan, and regarding the impartiality and independence of those bodies, etc."

"Of course, I must emphasize that the key issue is the return of prisoners, which we constantly raise. I hope these problems will receive appropriate and prompt solutions, because, as I continuously mention to all my international partners, this is not only an issue for Armenia or Armenians; it is a matter concerning the entire civilized world and the international community because it relates to such vital, fundamental rights, the lack of protection of which in one part of the world leads to various understandings of their non-protection globally," stated Manasyan.