While calling on official Baku to investigate reports of ill-treatment of Armenian prisoners of war, the European Union also gave credence to Azerbaijan’s “need” to investigate the trumped up war crimes charges being levied against the former Artsakh officials.
“It is of great importance that Azerbaijan ensures the right to a fair trial and adequate detention conditions, in line with its international commitments,” the EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anitta Hipper told Armenpress on Wednesday.
However, she went on to legitimize Azerbaijan’s charges against the Artsakh leaders by saying: “the alleged war crimes and other offenses need to be investigated in a transparent manner.”
“We are aware that the Armenian government and others, namely human rights organizations, have expressed concerns over the treatment of the defendants. We take these concerns very seriously and are closely following the developments. Azerbaijani authorities should promptly and impartially investigate all allegations of ill-treatment and if so, hold those responsible to account,” Hipper added.
The EU spokesperson also suggested that the sham trials somehow are part of larger peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
“The trials at Baku Military Court touch on the much larger question of achieving lasting and sustainable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan,” Hipper insisted.
“We therefore continue to call on both Armenia and Azerbaijan to build on their achievements and to continue making progress on their path towards full normalization of relations. The EU will continue to support this process with all the tools at its disposal,” she added.
Former Artsakh leaders, who were taken captive following Azerbaijan’s attack on Artsakh in September 2023, are currently on trial for a slew of trumped up charges in two criminal courts in Baku. Azerbaijan’s government has not allowed international observers or independent press in the courtroom and reports on the daily hearing are only being reported by state-run media.
Former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, who is being tried separately, has reported ill-treatment of himself and others throughout their captivity and during the trial, which he has called a “farce.”
