Human Rights Advocates Urge International Oversight of Armenian Detainees’ “Trials” in Baku

Over two dozen Armenian human rights organizations and individual advocates have issued a joint appeal to international organizations and foreign ambassadors in Azerbaijan, urging them to monitor the ongoing and upcoming trials of Armenian detainees in Baku. These proceedings, involving prisoners of war (POWs) and civilian detainees, are set to begin on January 17.

The appeal was directed to high-ranking officials and prominent organizations, including the UN Secretary-General, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, the Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, Fair Trials, the International Bar Association’s Human Rights Institute, and several other key stakeholders. It was also addressed to the ambassadors of the United States, France, Great Britain, and other nations in Azerbaijan.

The letter expresses grave concern over the continued detention and criminal proceedings against Armenian detainees, urging international monitoring to ensure justice and fair trials. It reads: “We, human rights defenders and representatives of Armenian civil society, express our grave concern over the ongoing detention and criminal proceedings against Armenian POWs and civilian detainees held in Azerbaijan. Given the severity of the charges and the extensive human rights violations observed, we formally request international monitoring to uphold the principles of justice and fair trials for Armenian defendants.”

The appeal highlights severe issues with Azerbaijan’s judicial processes, particularly in cases involving Armenian detainees. It points to significant violations, such as a presumption of guilt without evidence, denial of access to case files in a language the defendants can understand, inadequate legal representation, and a complete absence of the right to an independent and impartial tribunal. The letter also notes that legal aid in Azerbaijan is often compromised, with independent lawyers facing intimidation and obstruction in their efforts to represent detainees.

The signatories further warn that these trials are politically motivated and reflect Azerbaijan’s broader state-sponsored Armenophobia and hate propaganda, as documented by international human rights organizations. The letter emphasizes that Azerbaijan’s judiciary has long been criticized for its lack of independence, being heavily influenced by the executive branch, which undermines the judicial system’s role as an impartial arbiter of justice.

“We appeal to you to immediately engage with the Azerbaijani authorities to organize independent monitoring of these trials. This should include unrestricted access to the proceedings and ensure public availability of the outcomes. Such oversight is essential to safeguard the legal rights of Armenian POWs and detainees, ensure fair trials, and uphold international standards of justice,” the letter concludes.

The appeal has been signed by numerous organizations and individuals, including:

  • International and Comparative Law Center NGO
  • Union for Protection of the Interests and Rights of the Artsakh People NGO
  • Protection of Rights without Borders NGO
  • Democracy Development Foundation
  • Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center
  • Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly – Vanadzor
  • Law Development and Protection Foundation
  • Peace Dialogue NGO
  • Public Journalism Club NGO
  • “For Equal Rights” Educational Center NGO
  • Helsinki Association for Human Rights NGO
  • Disability Rights Agenda NGO
  • Women’s Support Center NGO
  • Centre for Community Mobilization and Support NGO
  • Tufenkian Foundation
  • Human Rights Defenders Ara Ghazaryan, Philippe Kalfayan, Arpi Avetisyan, and Gegham Stepanyan.
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