Rustam Bakoyan Addresses the Trial of Artsakh Leaders in Baku

The prolonged detention of Arkadi Ghukasyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, Davit Manukyan, Garik Martirosyan, Melikset Pashayanyan, Davit Alaverdyan, Gurgin Stepanyan, Leon Balayan, Madat Babayan, Vasili Beglaryan, Erik Ghazaryan, and Ruben Vardanyan, along with the conditions of their imprisonment, raises concerns and deep worries regarding their trial which has started in Baku. This was stated by Rustam Bakoyan, the Vice-President of the Permanent Commission on Human Rights and Public Affairs of the National Assembly of Armenia, and a member of the ruling Civil Contract party.

“Massive violations of fundamental human rights are being recorded, which contradict international standards and the principles of fair trial. The facts indicate that the discrimination exercised against representatives of the Armenian ethnicity is based on national affiliation. It is important to mention that according to international norms, the protection of human rights, regardless of ethnic affiliation, is a primary obligation. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the European Convention on the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms obligate states to ensure the right to a fair trial, and the right to be free from torture and inhumane treatment,” he wrote.

“Human rights violations can never be justified, and all states have an obligation to guarantee justice and respect for every individual, regardless of their ethnic or national affiliation. In the coming days, I will have meetings with sector specialists and representatives of the ICRC to assess the current situation and clarify the actions to be taken,” he added.