Statement regarding cases of violation of the fundamental rights of captured military and political leaders of Artsakh
15.03.2024
Under the chairmanship of His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; bishops and diocesan Primates of Armenia made a statement regarding the violation of the fundamental rights of the captured military and political leaders of the Republic of Artsakh.
"A few days ago, the Azerbaijani propaganda machine, with criminal malice, aired the announcement of the so-called "Anti-terror" film, made up on the basis of forced interviews with captured military and political leaders of the Artsakh Republic, scheduled for screening on March 28.
Such a step towards the kidnapped and hostage leaders of Artsakh once again reveals the anti-Armenian nature of the policy adopted by the Azerbaijani authorities.
Such shameful actions directly violate and disrespect internationally recognized fundamental human rights. Once again, an attempt is made to disorient the international community through the immoral practice of using the vulnerability of captured persons and to present the righteous struggle for self-determination of Artsakh Armenians against Azerbaijani violence and ontological threats as terrorism.
These open actions humiliating the captured Armenians once again make evident the false and insidious nature of the assurances of the leadership of Azerbaijan to achieve peace.
Peace cannot be built in the conditions of violation of the dignity of the Armenian people, continuous sowing of hatred and enmity, and disrespectful manifestations of the just rights of Artsakh Armenians.
In their efforts to create an "era of peace", the authorities of Armenia should first achieve the exclusion of similar aggressive and hostile actions by Azerbaijan and the mandatory release of all Armenian prisoners.
We call on the international community, organizations carrying out humanitarian missions, to adequately respond to the above-mentioned despicable actions of Azerbaijan against Armenian prisoners and to use more practical and effective measures to protect the rights of Armenian prisoners and return them to their homeland as soon as possible.
We pray to the Heavenly Lord to strengthen all the oppressed and captives to overcome the deprivations and sufferings caused by human evil and calamity.
May the Almighty God bless our country and people and spread peace throughout the world and in our region."
