Arman Tatoyan criticizes Armenian leadership’s remarks on prisoners held in Baku

In a social media post on Friday, Tatoyan described the claims that public actions would hinder the return of Armenian prisoners from Azerbaijan as “excuses for inaction”.

“This is a dangerous approach that sends a clear message to citizens that the state will not protect them if they find themselves in trouble,” Tatoyan wrote.

He recalled that when his team published a 2021 report on the torture of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan, some senior Civil Contract members dismissed it as “fabricated”.

“Such an attitude only emboldens Azerbaijani authorities and undermines efforts to secure the release of prisoners of war and hostages,” Tatoyan stressed.

“At a time when Azerbaijan obstructs legal avenues and international efforts, the Armenian government must act proactively, stepping up pressure on Baku. The absence of public action does not serve our interests. We must not abandon our compatriots, especially those who fought for the homeland,” the former ombudsman added.

Former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, the head of the Tatoyan Foundation, has criticized the statements made by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and other senior members of the ruling Civil Contract party regarding Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan.

In a social media post on Friday, Tatoyan described the claims that public actions would hinder the return of Armenian prisoners from Azerbaijan as “excuses for inaction”.

“This is a dangerous approach that sends a clear message to citizens that the state will not protect them if they find themselves in trouble,” Tatoyan wrote.

He recalled that when his team published a 2021 report on the torture of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan, some senior Civil Contract members dismissed it as “fabricated”.

“Such an attitude only emboldens Azerbaijani authorities and undermines efforts to secure the release of prisoners of war and hostages,” Tatoyan stressed.

“At a time when Azerbaijan obstructs legal avenues and international efforts, the Armenian government must act proactively, stepping up pressure on Baku. The absence of public action does not serve our interests. We must not abandon our compatriots, especially those who fought for the homeland,” the former ombudsman added.