Co-founder of the Country to Live party Mane Tandilyan called on Health Minister Anahit Avanesyan to go beyond statements and personally visit Baku to assess the condition of Armenian detainees.
“Azerbaijan’s deputy prime minister can come to Armenia, but can’t you go to Baku?” she asked, expressing readiness to accompany the minister on such a visit.
Tandilyan referred to Avanesyan’s earlier remarks that issues related to the health of Armenian detainees in Baku are under the government’s attention and are being addressed in coordination with the Foreign Ministry.
“Ms. Avanesyan, if you are truly following the situation and aware of the problems, the question arises: what concrete actions are being taken beyond ‘closely monitoring’? People have health issues and often remain neglected.
You cannot bring all Armenians back from Baku — that is a fact. But can you at least visit them?
I suggest that, beyond monitoring, you make a visit and personally assess their health condition. Perhaps then some practical steps can be taken.
Azerbaijan’s deputy prime minister can come to Armenia, but can’t you go to Baku? After all, your government says relations with Azerbaijan are based on reciprocity.
I am ready to accompany you during that visit. I will await a response,” she said in her statement.
Human rights lawyer Siranush Sahakyan, representing Armenian detainees at the European Court of Human Rights, has stated that obtaining information about Armenians held in Baku and their health condition is becoming increasingly difficult. She noted that during phone calls with families, detainees have frequently complained about health issues, including signs of respiratory problems.
Trials involving former political and military leaders of Artsakh concluded in early 2026, with several individuals receiving prison sentences, including life imprisonment. Former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
