We should not let Azerbaijan politicize the issue of prisoners - Ombudsman
"Armenian children are particularly targeted by Azerbaijani anti-Armenian policy, which is deliberately encouraged," the Human Rights Defender of Armenia Arman Tatoyan told reporters on Friday during the parliamentary briefing.
In the words of the Ombudsman, the anti-Armenian propaganda is not decreasing in Azerbaijan but instead acquires new features, being ramped up by the highest leadership of the country and culture figures.
"Crimes committed by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces are often accompanied by the same words which are repeatedly voiced by the political leadership of Azerbaijan. This process obtained a new development during the war and in the post-war period. I can recall the statements made by the leaders of Azerbaijan and Turkey during the December 10 event, which contained explicit genocidal threats," stressed Tatoyan, pointing to the need to inform the international community about the grounds and motives of the anti-Armenian policy.
"It is important to consider the root causes for this policy. Moreover, the comments on social media demonstrate that the anti-Armenian policy often inspires the public," said the Ombudsman.
Speaking about the issue of Armenian prisoners and other people held in captivity, Ombudsman said Azerbaijan is politicizing the matter to own benefit to avoid international instances.
"We should not let them do this. They blame Armenia for alleged violation of the trilateral agreement through using the issue of prisoners. This cannot be the case, as the issue of prisoners itself cannot be politicized. The issue should never be linked to the trilateral statement, as it remains a process of human rights protection. We should ensure the return of prisoners and that is it, while they institute criminal cases against our captives," said Tatoyan, adding the Office of the Human Rights Defender raises the matter in all its reports. Those are shared with international structures for addressing the matter, including through pressures.