Armenian human rights activists call on the EU to facilitate the return of prisoners from Baku

Nearly three dozen Armenian human rights and civil society organizations have sent an open letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa calling for the release of Armenian prisoners held in Baku. The letter was published on the eve of the 8th European Political Community Summit and the Armenia-European Union meeting, scheduled to take place in Armenia.

"With this letter, we, the undersigned human rights and civil society organizations, wish to draw your attention to an urgent humanitarian issue: the release of Armenian detainees still held in Baku. Despite calls from various international organizations for their immediate and unconditional release, including the demand enshrined in the resolution adopted by the European Parliament on 12 March 2025, Azerbaijan continues to illegally detain 19 Armenian prisoners, prolonging the suffering of their families," the letter states.

The authors of the appeal note that, despite international calls, detainees remain in custody. The document emphasizes that the protection of human rights and adherence to humanitarian principles are considered the foundation for achieving sustainable peace.

The organizations also note the importance of the EU's engagement in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan and state the need for active steps to ensure the return of detainees. They believe the release and repatriation of all detainees in the context of the conflict is an important element of confidence-building.

The letter cites statements by Azerbaijani officials regarding their lack of intention to return former representatives of Nagorno-Karabakh, and also addresses issues related to judicial procedures and access to international humanitarian mechanisms following the suspension of the International Committee of the Red Cross's activities in the country.

The signatories of the appeal call on the leadership of the EU and European countries to take steps to secure the release of Armenian prisoners and their return to their families.

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