Mkhitarist Congregation calls for global attention to Armenian  detainees in Baky

ArmInfo. A member of the Mkhitarist Order and rector of the Mkhitarist Seminary, Hamazasp  Kechichian,  is condemning the treatment of Armenian political  prisoners in Azerbaijan and calling for global attention  to their  plight.  "We have been following with concern the sham trials  in the  capital of our  genocidal neighbor," Kechichian told The Armenian  Report.

"Nobody can take  any proceedings in that country seriously. Anything  that happens in an Azerbaijani court is a parody of due process," the  clergyman noted.  He expressed deep concern for the well-being of  Armenian political prisoners held in Azerbaijan, in particularly  Ruben Vardanyan, a philanthropist and humanitarian. He noted that  Vardanyan's recent hunger strike is an act of defiance against  mistreatment.

"Ruben Vardanyan  looks obviously unwell, and his courageous  hunger  strike speaks volumes about the abusive treatment and tortures they  are exposed to," he noted.  Kechichian recalled meeting Vardanyan in  Venice during Aurora Prize ceremony  held at  St. Lazarus, the  spiritual center of the Mekhitarist Congregation. He praised  Vardanyan's dedication to the Armenian people, noting that the  businessman had publicly expressed sorrow for both Armenian and  Azerbaijani soldiers lost in conflict.

"This speaks to his deep humanity, which transcends the hatred and  pettiness of our neighbors," Kechichian said. He urged Armenians to  set aside their differences and stand together in the face of  external threats. He stressed that national unity is crucial,  especially when dealing issues that affect the homeland. "We,  Armenians, must stand united and set aside all differences to stand  up for our fellow Armenian detainees Azerbaijan. This is valid for  any issues that pertains to our homeland and our nation. We are one  unbreakable nation. We have  been  firm in our Christian faith  forever amid all the ordeals we have been through, and we shall  eternally stay true  to who we are and what we believe in as  Armenians," Kechichian concluded.