Armenia’s Ombudsman slams government’s policy not to publish the number of Armenian captives kept in Azerbaijan

Aysor, Armenia
Jan 20 2021

Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan took to Facebook to slam the policy of the government not to publish the number of Armenian prisoners of war kept in Azerbaijan.

“The government has reasoned not publishing the number of Armenian captives simply mentioning that the issue is of “extremely sensitive nature.” It is not an acceptable approach,” the ombudsman stressed.

Tatoyan said in reality if the government publishes the number of Armenian captives an opportunity will be created to essentially raise the international pressure on Azerbaijan in the issue of freeing them.

He also stressed that fundaments will be laid to forward additional commitments to the Azerbaijani side, raise the level of defense of Armenian captives kept in Azerbaijan.

The ombudsman also noted that it will also reduce the dissemination of false and confusing information and consequently any attempt of manipulation.

Emil Lazarian

“I should like to see any power of the world destroy this race, this small tribe of unimportant people, whose wars have all been fought and lost, whose structures have crumbled, literature is unread, music is unheard, and prayers are no more answered. Go ahead, destroy Armenia . See if you can do it. Send them into the desert without bread or water. Burn their homes and churches. Then see if they will not laugh, sing and pray again. For when two of them meet anywhere in the world, see if they will not create a New Armenia.” - WS