Armenian detainees should immediately be returned from Azerbaijan – Armenia Ombudsman meets EP French deputy

Armenia's Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan received today French deputy of the European Parliament, President of the Foreign Relations Committee's Subcommittee on Security and Defense Nathalie Loiseau.

Arman Tatoyan briefed on the facts of violation of the rights of the residents of Armenia's bordering territories by the Azerbaijani armed forces.

He stressed that the criminal actions of the Azerbaijani servicemen are addressed to deprive the Armenian civil population of their life, property and other vital rights.

During the meeting the Armenian Ombudsman referred thoroughly to the urgency of the return of the Armenian detainees held in Azerbaijan, noting that presenting them as "terrorists" or "saboteurs" is a gross violation of the international demands.

He noted that all the servicemen and the civilians of the Armenian side are prisoners of war with their status and should be immediately released and returned to homeland without any political or any other pre-conditions.

He stressed that Azerbaijani authorities are artificially protracting and politicizing the process grossly violating the rights of the POWs and their families.

Tatoyan also briefed on Azerbaijan’s war crimes during the Karabakh war, presented proofs how the Azerbaijani highest leadership encourages Armenophobia and killing of Armenians, noting that the opening of the so-called "exhibition-park" about the war is a bright proof of it.

At the end of the meeting the sides agreed to cooperate in human rights defense sector.