The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has recently urged for the immediate release of all individuals arbitrarily detained in Azerbaijan, particularly ethnic Armenians. His statement was made during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, reflecting on the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace negotiations. Türk expressed hope for these discussions to foster truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation.
Türk emphasised that fairness in trials needs to be upheld, stating, “All those arbitrarily detained in Azerbaijan, including ethnic Armenians, must be released immediately, and fair trial rights must be respected fully.” His calls coincide with ongoing legal proceedings against former Nagorno-Karabakh officials in Baku.
Azerbaijan responded swiftly through Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada, who highlighted that a true understanding of peace would not ignore accountability for severe crimes. He asserted that measures must adhere to international legal standards to ensure justice and truth for victims.
Currently, at least 16 Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians, including ex-officials, face trial for a multitude of alleged crimes including serious charges like genocide and torture. Three former presidents of Nagorno-Karabakh are among those detained, with other notable figures like Ruben Vardanyan engaging in hunger strikes to protest their imprisonment.
Demonstrations in Armenia have arisen, with citizens urging their government and international entities to advocate for the release of Armenian detainees, highlighting growing unrest regarding these trials that have recently gained public condemnation from Armenian officials.
Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, has urged Azerbaijan to release arbitrarily detained individuals, focusing on ethnic Armenians amid ongoing peace talks with Armenia. His remarks highlighted the need for fair trial rights. Azerbaijan’s government stressed the importance of accountability for war crimes as tensions remain high, particularly affecting those involved in the trials of Nagorno-Karabakh Armenians, prompting protests in Armenia calling for their release.
In summary, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has passionately called for the release of detained Armenians in Azerbaijan amidst peace talks. The response from Azerbaijan underscores the tension in how justice is perceived in light of serious accusations. As ongoing trials evoke protests in Armenia, international attention remains crucial in addressing human rights and the quest for reconciliation between the two nations.
Original Source: oc-media.org
