Armenian Detainee Challenges Rights Defenders in Baku Prison

Davit Ishkhanyan, former Speaker of the Artsakh Parliament and a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau, has issued a direct challenge to Anahit Manasyan, Armenia's Human Rights Defender. In an audio recording released by his family, Ishkhanyan, who is currently serving a life sentence in a Baku prison, called for Manasyan to visit him in person. He framed this potential meeting as a matter of honor for both the Armenian state and its citizens, arguing that the current silence from Yerevan is inconsistent with the status of the 19 Armenians held in Azerbaijani custody.

The former speaker also addressed Sabina Aliyeva, Azerbaijan's Human Rights Commissioner, urging her to facilitate the release of case materials. According to the message, Ishkhanyan argues that Azerbaijani authorities continue to obstruct legal access for detainees and their families, citing a significant delay in providing verdicts and indictments despite previous assurances of compliance with international norms.

Alleged Obstacles in Legal Access

Ishkhanyan detailed specific instances of what he describes as bureaucratic obstruction during a meeting with Aliyeva in May. He stated that he requested the delivery of the February verdict from the Baku Military Court to his family and legal representatives. While Aliyeva reportedly promised to arrange the delivery of the Azerbaijani version of the document, Ishkhanyan claims that more than four months have passed without any progress. He noted that neither his lawyer nor other defense attorneys have received the indictment or the final verdict, which he says undermines their ability to protect the legal interests of the detainees both within Azerbaijan and abroad.

The former speaker characterized the judicial proceedings in Baku as a significant failure for the Azerbaijani legal system. He emphasized that while basic living conditions in the prison are maintained, the core issues remain the denial of fundamental legal rights. Ishkhanyan suggested that the obstruction of legal documents prevents families from understanding the charges against their relatives, a situation he believes violates established international standards for fair trial and due process.

Pressing for Diplomatic Accountability

According to GN geopolitics/rights (en-US), Ishkhanyan’s appeal to Manasyan highlights a broader frustration with the Armenian government's response to the detention of its citizens. He reminded the rights defender that the individuals in Baku are citizens of the Republic of Armenia, implying that the state has a direct responsibility to monitor their welfare and legal status. By challenging the ombudsman to visit the Baku prison, Ishkhanyan is seeking to force a tangible diplomatic engagement that goes beyond diplomatic statements and public assurances of normalcy.

The former speaker acknowledged the efforts made by Aliyeva to provide daily necessities such as food and books, but he argued that these gestures do not address the structural legal barriers facing the detainees. He posited that true respect for human rights in this context requires the transparent and timely release of judicial documents, a demand that has reportedly been unmet since the initial sentencing.

Monitoring Future Diplomatic Movements

The situation now places significant pressure on Armenia’s Human Rights Defender to respond to a public challenge that could alter the diplomatic dynamic regarding the detained Armenians. Observers will be watching to see if Manasyan accepts the invitation to visit Baku, a move that would represent a significant escalation in direct engagement with Azerbaijani authorities. Additionally, the international community may look for further evidence regarding the withholding of legal documents, as the lack of access to verdicts continues to complicate efforts to ensure fair treatment for the prisoners.