PanARMENIAN.Net – The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has been notified of procedural violations in the trial of former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, who is currently detained in Baku, as well as the deterioration of his health, according to Armenia’s Office of the Representative on International Legal Matters.
The statement said that in January of this year, certain information and photographs regarding individuals detained in Azerbaijan were obtained through the court and shared with their families. In response, on February 27, Armenia submitted its observations on the data provided by Azerbaijan, requesting more detailed information.
The Office of the Representative on International Legal Matters recalled that between 2021 and 2024, Armenia filed interstate complaints with both the ECHR and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) regarding the rights violations of Armenian prisoners of war and civilians unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan. These complaints address fundamental rights, including the right to life, freedom from torture and degrading treatment, liberty and security, and the right to a fair trial, among others.
“The Office of the Representative on International Legal Matters is monitoring the ongoing trials in Azerbaijan. We inform that, following the established procedures, additional evidence and demands will be submitted to the European Court and the International Court of Justice,” the statement read.
The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a statement emphasizing its continued efforts to draw international attention to the release of Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and other detainees held in Azerbaijan. The ministry also highlighted serious violations of legal procedures and alarming signs of torture in the trials of some detainees, which it described as staged proceedings.