On March 3, protesters gathered outside the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) office in Yerevan, demanding immediate action for Armenian prisoners illegally detained in Azerbaijan. Demonstrators called on the ICRC to visit the detainees in Baku, investigate allegations of mistreatment and torture, and monitor the health of Ruben Vardanyan, who has been on a hunger strike for 12 days.
At the conclusion of the protest, participants submitted a letter to the ICRCâs Armenia office, urging swift intervention to protect Armenian prisoners facing life-threatening conditions.
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In February, the ICRC confirmed it had visited the detainees, including during Vardanyanâs hunger strike. Zara Amatuni, head of communication programs at the ICRC delegation, noted that while detainees have access to communication, it often requires special agreements with Azerbaijani authorities. The Red Cross letters remain the primary means of contact. However, Amatuni acknowledged that detainees, held in unnatural conditions, may refuse communication based on their situation. The ICRC ensures that messages from families are delivered during every visit.
Meanwhile, Azerbaijan is reportedly reconsidering its collaboration with international organizations, including the ICRC, the UN Development Programme (UNDP), and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). Azerbaijani authorities have informed these organizations of the necessity to leave the country, raising serious concerns about the lack of independent oversight of Armenian detainees and their treatment.
Protests took place across Yerevan, with demonstrators gathering near the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the RA Government Building, and Tsitsernakaberd, calling for urgent action regarding Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Azerbaijan.
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â 301đŚđ˛ (@301arm) February 28, 2025
The March 3 protest was the latest in a series of demonstrations across Yerevan calling for urgent international action. On February 28, protesters gathered in front of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the RA Government Building, and Tsitsernakaberd to demand the release of all Armenian hostages. Demonstrators later marched to the UN office in Armenia, calling for greater pressure on Azerbaijan to secure their freedom.
During the protests, Artsakh Ombudsman Gegham Stepanyan emphasized the dire conditions faced by Armenian detainees and the immediate need for their release. Protesters voiced a unified demand: Free all Armenian hostages.
301 Correspondents:
- David Ghahramanyan
- Gaya Sarkisian
