U.S. Senator Adam Schiff has called on the Trump administration to hold Azerbaijan accountable for its human rights violations. In a recent social media post, Schiff highlighted the lack of transparency and justice in the ongoing trials of Armenian political prisoners in Azerbaijan. These closed-door proceedings are taking place without due process, and press access has been strictly prohibited, raising serious concerns among international observers.
Schiff’s statement underscores the urgency of addressing Azerbaijan’s treatment of Armenian political prisoners and its broader pattern of human rights abuses. By appealing to the U.S. State Department, now under the leadership of the Trump administration, Schiff aims to ensure that the United States takes a firm stance against such violations. He emphasized that accountability is essential for upholding international law and preventing further escalations in the South Caucasus.
Reports indicate that Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan are subjected to systemic mistreatment, including forced confessions, torture, and fabricated charges. Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have repeatedly called for international oversight and justice for those unlawfully detained.
Schiff’s demand aligns with broader calls from the Armenian-American community and human rights advocates, who argue that silence and inaction only embolden authoritarian regimes like Azerbaijan’s. The senator’s statement aims to renew attention to the plight of Armenian political prisoners and stress the importance of U.S. leadership in promoting justice and accountability.
As the Trump administration sets its foreign policy priorities, its approach to the South Caucasus will be closely watched. Advocates are hopeful that a stronger stance on human rights in the region will signal a commitment to democratic values and stability. Schiff’s appeal serves as a reminder that international inaction risks enabling further abuses and undermines global human rights efforts.