Tatoyan Urges Authorities to Disclose the Number of Detainees Held in Azerbaijan

By disclosing the number of detainees, the Armenian authorities will increase pressure on Azerbaijan. This was stated by Armenia's Human Rights Defender, Arman Tatoyan, during a discussion in Yerevan on the rights protection of missing persons and their families.

“I believe that the authorities are making a mistake by not publishing the number of detainees. By specifying the number, we can raise awareness about the responsibility for protecting people's right to life, as well as increase pressure on Azerbaijan. We should not be guided by Azerbaijan's figures, but by our own,” Tatoyan said.

He noted that the minimum number of detainees can at least be mentioned, rather than a specific figure. Tatoyan emphasized that even though the November 9, 2020 declaration does not specify the actual timelines for the return of detainees, it does not serve as grounds for their indefinite detention. International humanitarian law requires their return after the cessation of hostilities.

“The principle of 'everyone for everyone' is an important principle, but it has not been upheld. Furthermore, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict continues, and Azerbaijan is opening criminal cases against our citizens for allegedly being in their territory after hostilities. All humanitarian rights have been violated,” Tatoyan stated.

He added that international human rights organizations have not responded in any way to the numerous war crimes that occurred during the conflict. As a result, new crimes have emerged, undermining faith in the principles of human rights, which are starting to be perceived as mere beautiful words and nothing more.