The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group in the Swedish Riksdag, a coalition of parliamentarians dedicated to strengthening ties with Armenia, has issued a strong condemnation of the Azerbaijani government regarding the unlawful imprisonment and inhumane treatment of Armenian political figures and prisoners of war. The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group, represented by members from various political factions within the Riksdag, released a robust statement on March 6, demanding immediate and decisive action from the international community to secure the unconditional release of all Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan. The statement underscores the systematic and grave human rights violations perpetrated by the Azerbaijani government and warns that international inaction could embolden further repressions and impunity. It is important to note that the statement is from the Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group and is not considered an official position of the Swedish Riksdag as a whole institution, though it reflects the concerns of a significant group of Swedish parliamentarians.
Statement by Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group in Riksdag: Parliamentary Group Takes a Stand.
The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group within the Swedish Riksdag, composed of representatives from various political factions within the parliament, has unanimously voiced its deep concern over the unacceptable detention of Armenian political prisoners and prisoners of war. Such friendship groups are common in many national parliaments and are formed by MPs from various parties who share a common interest in a particular country or issue. In a statement released on March 6, 2025, the Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group vehemently condemns the grave and systematic human rights violations committed by the Azerbaijani government. The statement not only raises awareness about the issue on the international stage but also urges the international community to take immediate action to liberate innocent individuals who have become victims of political persecution. This step by the Swedish parliamentary group underscores the necessity for the international community to unite and denounce any infringement upon human rights, regardless of where it occurs.
Grave Human Rights Violations: Condemnation of Azerbaijani Government by Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group.
The statement specifically emphasizes that the Azerbaijani government is perpetrating grave and systematic human rights violations. The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group in the Swedish Riksdag resolutely condemns the unlawful imprisonment, physical and psychological torture, and political persecution of Armenian prisoners, including political figures and civilians. These actions are categorized not only as a humanitarian crisis but also as blatant violations of international law. The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group stresses that the violation of human rights must not go unpunished and that the international community is obligated to take all necessary measures to prevent similar situations and hold perpetrators accountable.
Unlawful Imprisonment and Torture: The Plight of Armenian Political Prisoners and POWs According to Sweden-Armenia Group.
Particular attention in the statement by the Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group is drawn to the plight of Armenian political prisoners and prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan. The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group in the Riksdag expresses its concern regarding their unlawful detention and reported torture. The statement highlights that independent human rights organizations and legal experts have documented the inhumane and degrading treatment of these detainees. They are subjected to severe torture, denied access to legal counsel, and forced to endure sham trials. The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group emphasizes that such atrocities damage Azerbaijan’s international reputation and set a dangerous precedent for authoritarian regimes worldwide.
Violation of International Law: Breaches of Geneva Conventions and Universal Human Rights Declaration Highlighted by Sweden-Armenia Group.
The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group in the Swedish Riksdag, in its statement, specifically underscores that Azerbaijan’s continued detention of Armenian civilians and prisoners of war constitutes a blatant breach of the Geneva Conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The statement notes that these actions carried out with impunity, amount to state-sanctioned torture and enforced disappearances intended to silence political dissent and instill fear. The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group calls upon the international community to pay close attention to these serious violations and take all necessary measures to restore international legal norms and hold the perpetrators accountable.
Instruments of Political Repression: Unfounded Charges as Tools of Oppression, as Assessed by Sweden-Armenia Group.
The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group points out in its statement that the arbitrary detention of individuals on unfounded charges by Azerbaijan is used as an instrument of political repression. The statement notes that such practices are a direct attack on fundamental human rights and aim to silence political dissent and suppress any criticism of the Azerbaijani government’s actions. The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group condemns such approaches and calls on the international community to unite and confront all forms of political repression and human rights violations.
Obligations of the International Community: Inaction Equals Complicity, According to Sweden-Armenia Group.
The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group in the Swedish Riksdag, in its statement, emphasizes the obligations of the international community to protect the rights of Armenian political prisoners and prisoners of war. The statement notes that Azerbaijan’s use of political prisoners as leverage, along with its systematic mistreatment of Armenian detainees, is a calculated strategy to destabilize regional peace and justice. The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group warns that the lack of a strong international response only emboldens further abuses and normalizes repression. The statement explicitly mentions that failing to act against these egregious violations equates to complicity, enabling authoritarianism to flourish and deepening the crisis.
Call for Immediate Action: Unconditional Release of All Armenian Prisoners – Call by Sweden-Armenia Group.
The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group in the Swedish Riksdag calls for immediate and resolute action to secure the unconditional release of all Armenian prisoners. The statement underscores that this is not just a matter of diplomacy, but a moral and legal obligation. The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group urges the international community not to stand idly by while such severe injustices persist. The statement notes that the actions carried out by Azerbaijan are not only an assault on human dignity but also a direct challenge to the principles that uphold global stability, justice, and fundamental rights.
Accountability and Justice: The World is Watching, According to Sweden-Armenia Group Statement.
In conclusion of its statement, the Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group in the Swedish Riksdag clearly states that immediate and resolute action is necessary to secure the unconditional release of all Armenian prisoners. The statement warns that the world is watching, and the response to this crisis will define the commitment to justice and human rights. The Sweden-Armenia Friendship Group calls on the international community to demonstrate decisiveness and consistency, demanding that Azerbaijan immediately release all Armenian political prisoners and ensure the protection of their rights. This statement by the Friendship Group is a clear message to the international community and the Azerbaijani government that human rights violations will not go unpunished, and accountability is inevitable.