Armenian Prisoners in Baku Tortured, Human Rights Defender Reports

Armenian military captives and civilians held in Azerbaijan endure torture and inhumane treatment. This was conveyed by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Anahit Manasanian, in a statement on the occasion of the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture.

She emphasized that this situation warrants appropriate recognition. “No war or threat of war, nor internal political instability, can justify torture. The Human Rights Defender of Armenia has consistently highlighted the shortcomings of the mechanisms for compensating for non-material damage caused by violations of fundamental human rights in annual and extraordinary reports. These deficiencies are particularly evident in the absence of procedures for compensating non-material damage resulting from inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment,” the statement read.

The report noted that complaints and alerts continue to be received by the staff of the Human Rights Defender regarding apparent cases of torture in prisons, police stations, or investigative bodies, a situation that Manasanian finds concerning and asserts must be eradicated. The message also stated that there is a need to provide support to individuals who have experienced torture and their families in terms of psychological, medical, and social rehabilitation.

As part of the national mechanism for the prevention of torture, the Human Rights Defender strives to create an environment in the republic where torture and inhumane treatment will be excluded through daily efforts.

It is noteworthy that the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture is observed on June 26, as designated by the United Nations.