Zara Amatuni, Head of Communications Programs at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Armenia, stated that the organization is seeking a way to restore dialogue with Baku. The last time ICRC representatives visited Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan was in June, she told Panorama.am.
“Not being physically present makes it impossible to monitor all humanitarian issues related to the conflict that the ICRC has been addressing in Azerbaijan,” she said.
Amatuni noted that the reasons behind the suspension of ICRC activities in Azerbaijan are not publicized, as much of the organization's work is conducted confidentially.
Following the ICRC’s departure from Azerbaijan, Armenian prisoners held in Baku’s detention centers have been left in total isolation. No representatives from any international organizations have been allowed to visit them.
Azerbaijani media report that the prosecution has requested life sentences for former Nagorno-Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan, former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, former Defense Army commander Levon Mnatsakanyan, deputy commander Davit Manukyan, and former parliament speaker Davit Ishkhanyan.
Prosecutors are also seeking 20-year sentences for former presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan, as well as Madat Babayan and Pashayev Melikset. Other sentences requested include: Garik Martirosyan – 19 years, Davit Alaverdyan – 18 years, Levon Babayan – 17 years, and 16 years each for Vasili Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, and Edik Ghazaryan.
