Artsakh Information Headquarters calls on all those concerned about tfate of Armenians held in Baku to come out to protest in central Yerevan
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The Info Headquarters statement stated that a rally will be held on February 9 at 5:00 PM in Republic Square, in front of the former Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, demanding the release of Armenian prisoners illegally held in Baku. "The rally was organized during the US Vice President's visit to Yerevan to once again draw the attention of the US and the international community to this important issue. We must clearly and unanimously declare that every Armenian prisoner must be immediately and unconditionally released. The issue of prisoners is not a matter of political bargaining. It is a matter of fundamental human rights and dignity.
We call on everyone to join the rally to express our demand in solidarity and responsibility and to show that the fate of our compatriots must not be forgotten. Everyone's presence is essential," the Artsakh Information Headquarters said in a statement.
The exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Azerbaijani prisons is still unknown. Experts estimate the number to be in the hundreds. Today, Azerbaijani authorities confirm the presence of 19 Armenians in their custody. Among those held in Azerbaijani captivity are eight former and current members of the military-political leadership of Artsakh. These include former Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan; former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan; as well as Parliament Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan; former Commander-in-Chief of the Artsakh Defense Army, General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David Manukyan; and former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan.
Today, the Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, Davit Babayan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to life imprisonment on trumped-up charges, while Bako Sahakyan and Arkady Ghukasyan were sentenced to 20 years in prison. The so-called court sentenced the remaining Artsakh residents to up to 15 years in prison. The verdict has not yet been announced for philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan, whose case has been separated into separate proceedings.