The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a resolution urging Azerbaijan to release former high-ranking officials of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) and all Armenian detainees held in Baku.
The resolution condemns the arbitrary and politically motivated detentions of Armenian former military and political leaders, calling for their immediate release. PACE reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring the situation of detainees and prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan, emphasizing the need for their unconditional liberation.
The resolution also raises serious concerns regarding Azerbaijan’s deteriorating democratic standards, the rule of law, and human rights situation. It specifically denounces the increasing repression against political and civil society activists, journalists, and government critics. PACE has urged Azerbaijan’s authorities to end these crackdowns and release all individuals imprisoned for political reasons.
Additionally, the resolution calls on the Azerbaijani government to amend laws on political parties, media, and NGOs in accordance with recommendations from the Venice Commission. It further states that Azerbaijan’s 2024 presidential elections failed to meet international democratic standards, taking place under severe restrictions on freedom of speech and assembly.
Azerbaijan currently acknowledges holding around 23 Armenian prisoners, including former political and military representatives of Artsakh who were unlawfully detained and transferred to Baku following Azerbaijan’s military aggression against Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2023. Trials against these detainees are ongoing in Baku, widely criticized as politically motivated and unjust.
Armenian Prime Minister recently stated that intelligence reports indicate the use of prohibited methods against Armenian prisoners during trials, allegedly aimed at coercing testimonies that could be used against Armenia in international legal and diplomatic contexts.