Arman Tatoyan Demands Intl. Intervention in Baku's Unjust Verdict in Vagif Khachatryan's Case

The highly respected Arman Tatoyan, the former Human Rights Defender (ombudsman) of Armenia, expressed his strong condemnation on Facebook regarding the recent sentencing of Vagif Khachatryan, a 68-year-old Nagorno-Karabakh resident, by an Azerbaijani court. Khachatryan was sentenced to 15 years in prison, sparking outrage and concerns about the fairness of the trial.

In his social media post, Tatoyan questioned the legitimacy of the Azerbaijani court's decision, stating, "Wasn't it obvious to all of us that the Azerbaijani court would not acquit or release Vagif Khachatryan?" He criticized the judicial process, describing it as a "show with false evidence and an embodiment of injustice" orchestrated by the Azerbaijani authorities.

Tatoyan went on to accuse the Azerbaijani authorities of using Khachatryan as a pawn in their political games, aiming to legitimize their actions and demean the Armenian people. He expressed grave concern over the harsh sentence, emphasizing the challenges faced by an elderly citizen of Artsakh, particularly given his health problems, in the hostile environment of a Baku prison.

Expressing his frustration, Tatoyan raised pertinent questions about the ongoing impunity with which Azerbaijan seems to act. He highlighted the lack of solutions to address the plight of innocent citizens targeted by Azerbaijani authorities and the urgent need for accountability.

"One thing is clear: as long as armed Azerbaijani servicemen patrol the roads near Armenian villages and towns, our people will continue to be in danger," Tatoyan warned, highlighting the ongoing threats faced by the Armenian population. He further condemned the actions of the Azerbaijani government, describing them as criminal acts carried out without any sense of responsibility.

Tatoyan concluded his post by sharing a video from Vagif Khachatryan's trial, emphasizing the need to shed light on the injustice faced by Khachatryan and others like him. The former ombudsman's comments highlight the growing concerns about the treatment of Armenians in the region and the pressing need for international attention to address these issues and ensure justice for the affected citizens.