Letters Addressed to Armenian Detainees Held in Baku Handed Over to RA Government
Artak Beglaryan, President of the Artsakh Union nongovernmental organization, has officially handed over letters addressed to Armenian detainees held in Baku to the Government of the Republic of Armenia (RA), requesting that all possible measures be taken to ensure their delivery to every Armenian currently held in Azerbaijani captivity.
The collection comprises messages of solidarity and support sent from around the globe to the 19 Armenian detainees in Baku. The call to write to the prisoners was initiated by Veronika Zonabend, wife of the Baku-held philanthropist and humanitarian Ruben Vardanyan. Mrs. Zonabend had previously announced an initiative to organize an international women’s humanitarian delegation to Baku to visit the Armenian prisoners and deliver letters, photos, and permitted personal belongings.
“For individuals facing prolonged detention, such an initiative is of profound significance. This touches upon a fundamental human right: to know what is happening to one’s loved ones, to have the opportunity to convey words of comfort, and to be assured that they have not been forgotten,” stated Mrs. Zonabend.
To facilitate this humanitarian mission, Veronika Zonabend had formally appealed to the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, and the Human Rights Commissioner of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva. However, there has been no official response from the Azerbaijani side, nor has the Armenian government provided a definitive reply.
“The box we are submitting contains 1,254 letters addressed to all Armenian detainees, gathered through the initiative of Ruben Vardanyan’s wife, Mrs. Veronika Zonabend. Because Azerbaijan has failed to respond in any manner, and given that the Armenian government has yet to offer effective practical support to realize the mission, the Artsakh Union — with Mrs. Zonabend’s agreement — decided to deliver these letters to the Armenian government to ensure they reach their intended recipients. The Republic of Armenia bears a constitutional obligation to protect the rights of Armenians and RA citizens, including all captives, and to secure their return,” stated Beglaryan.
Along with the letters, Beglaryan officially submitted an accompanying petition to the Government of Armenia.
