David Ishkhanyan appeals to Armenian Ombudsman from  Baku prison

ArmInfo.Former Speaker of the Artsakh Parliament, David Ishkhanyan, has issued an appeal to the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia from a prison in Baku. 

Recall, Ishkhanyan and other Artsakh leaders were taken captive in  September 2023, following Azerbaijan's occupation of  Nagorno-Karabakh.

Below is the full text of Ishkhanyan's appeal, as published by the  Artsakh Parliament: "We learned from the press that Ruben Vardanyan  has requested a meeting with the Human Rights Defender of the  Republic of Armenia. I don't know whether the esteemed defender will  take on this responsibility and show the resolve to visit him and see  us as well. Should that happen, she would receive more detailed  information and learn how the entire investigation and trial were  conducted with serious and flagrant violations of human rights,  international law, and international norms, including the procedures  of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

I was unable to deliver my full statement during my final remarks at  the conclusion of the trial. I was prevented from delivering at least  30-40% of my closing speech. However, I managed to say what I wish to  say to my people now, and I provide this brief quote: " This case is  not against 15 individuals; it is a case against the Armenian people  and Armenian statehood, driven by clear objectives and a long-term  strategy. I had doubts about this during the investigation, but  during the trial, it became my conviction. The truth of my thoughts  and words will only be revealed in time."

Regarding the Human Rights Defender of Azerbaijan, Sabina Aliyeva  visited us yesterday, and we were able to convey some information to  her I had prepared an appeal to give her back on March 12, but for  some reason, I was unable to meet her or deliver it for nearly two  months. Yesterday, I handed over my appeal, which contained one clear  request: that she mediate to provide my family and relatives with the  full versions of our verdict in both Azerbaijani and Armenian. The  Human Rights Commissioner promised to deliver the Azerbaijani version  to my family and said she would attempt to mediate.

Regarding the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia, I now  wish to make a verbal request:  that they mediate with the relevant  structures in Azerbaijan perhaps through their counterpart to obtain  the full texts of our indictments and our verdict in both Armenian  and Azerbaijani, and deliver them to my family and relatives.

As for these difficult times, I only wish our people strength of  spirit, will, and unity. I must say: stay strong."