ICRC Visits Ruben Vardanyan on Hunger Strike: Details

In February, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) visited Armenians held in captivity in Baku. This was stated by Zara Amatuni, the head of communication programs of the international organization’s delegation, during a conversation with reporters.

She noted that the visit took place during Ruben Vardanyan’s hunger strike. “Our doctor met with the person on hunger strike, among our delegates who visited all individuals in captivity,” Amatuni said.

According to her, when communication opportunities are mentioned, it is often perceived that everyone unconditionally takes advantage of it. “It’s not just telephone communication; different means of communication are used, some of which are specially coordinated with the Azerbaijani authorities, while the primary allowed connection is through ICRC letters,” she added.

Amatuni expressed that it is very difficult to say what might lead a person to refuse phone communication, noting that people are in conditions that are unnatural for them, and different decisions could be made based on their situation. “But during each visit, we convey letters or messages from their relatives,” she emphasized.

It is noteworthy that today, in front of the Armenian office of the Red Cross, a protest is taking place calling for the release of Armenian captives and drawing international attention to their torture and the health condition of Ruben Vardanyan.