Gagik Tsarukyan from the NSS detention center called for the release of Armenians held captive in Baku

ArmInfo. Even under conditions of colossal psychological pressure and complete isolation, Armenian prisoners of war held in a Baku prison are behaving with incredible dignity. This is stated in a message from Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) leader Gagik Tsarukyan from the Yerevan Kentron prison (better known as the NSS basements).

Tsarukyan noted that after his first trial, he is trying to imagine what his compatriots in Baku prisons are feeling. "Under conditions of colossal psychological pressure, complete isolation, and an information blockade, these people are behaving with incredible dignity." "Try for a second to imagine the atmosphere and conditions in which the trials are held in Baku, where our compatriots manage to defend both themselves and Armenia with honor," the PAP leader said in a message published on Facebook.

He noted that an unfair accusation is always difficult and psychologically depressing. At the same time, as the PAP leader noted, while he at least receives support from his supporters, Armenian prisoners of war are deprived of it. "I think about the fact that I am in Yerevan, in the courtroom and in the courtyard, I am supported by many people: lawyers who do their job excellently, public figures, human rights defenders, media outlets documenting violations and showing the truth. I receive words of support - it's a completely different environment. After all, at least in the courtroom, I can see my family and friends. Even the investigators and prosecutors, who are not yet willing to admit that injustice is being committed, are still my compatriots." Now, when injustice is being perpetrated against me, I think that perhaps this is just a phase in my life, and perhaps they are not bad people, and one day they themselves will admit that what is happening, to put it mildly, is not entirely right," Tsarukyan noted.

In this regard, the PAP leader thanked everyone who has supported him throughout this time. "I am grateful for the enormous support I saw and felt. In the courtroom, I saw people close and familiar to me, as well as figures from various public circles. This gives me additional strength and confidence. Freedom for our compatriots held in Baku! Freedom for all political prisoners!" Tsarukyan concluded.

It is worth noting that the exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Azerbaijani prisons is still unknown. Experts estimate there are several hundred. Today, Azerbaijani authorities confirm the presence of 19 Armenians in their custody. Among those held in Azerbaijani captivity are eight former and current members of the military-political leadership of Artsakh. These include former Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan; former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan; as well as Parliament Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan; former Commander of the Artsakh Defense Army General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David Manukyan; and former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan.

In February, a Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, David Babayan, David Ishkhanyan, David Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to life imprisonment on trumped-up charges, and Bako Sahakyan, Arkady Ghukasyan, and Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison. The so-called court sentenced the remaining Artsakh residents to up to 15 years in prison.