Armenian politician calls on U.S. vice-president to take urgent steps  to secure release of Armenian political prisoners 

ArmInfo.  Mane Tandilyan, chair of the "Country for Life" party, sent a letter through diplomatic channels to US Vice President J.D. Vance asking him to  mediate the release of Armenians held in Baku prisons.

"Dear Mr. Vice President, On behalf of the Country to Live Party, I  would like to express our gratitude to you on the occasion of the  beginning of your mission in the South Caucasus. Your visit to  Armenia and Azerbaijan is an important moment for American foreign  policy in this volatile region and a key milestone for its future in  the context of the implementation of the peace agreement reached last  year. Your visit also provides a unique opportunity to discuss the  humanitarian issue that continues to destabilize the region. Our  party has worked closely with Ruben Vardanyan, a world-renowned  humanitarian, entrepreneur, and devout Christian who remains in a  Baku prison along with 19 other Armenians. These individuals, who  served their communities in Nagorno-Karabakh, are subjected to a  severe ordeal characterized by "show trials" and systematic  isolation. I am writing to you today not only as a colleague of Mr.  Vardanyan, but also as a mother and as someone who shares your deep  commitment to the Christian values of justice, mercy, and protection.  The plight of these people is not only a political issue but also a  profound moral crisis, touching on the very essence of Christian  ideals of dignity and justice. Ahead of your upcoming meetings in  Baku, I urge you to take immediate steps to secure the unconditional  release of the 20 Armenian prisoners, which must be a priority in  your mission. Their return will bring immense relief and a sense of  justice to thousands of families in the Armenian diaspora, including  the significant and vibrant community in the United States.

"A lasting and dignified peace in the South Caucasus, a key goal of  the current administration's regional strategy, cannot be built on  the continued and unlawful detention of Armenians. Efforts to  establish lasting peace in this volatile region can only succeed if  humanitarian concerns are fully addressed. Ruben Vardanyan dedicated  his life to philanthropy and human solidarity, and his imprisonment  is a stain on the progress the region aspires to," notes Mane  Tandilyan.

According to her, a foundation of trust is essential for the success  of the Trump Pathway to International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP)  project. By securing the return of these hostages, the politician  continued, the United States will strengthen its position as a  decisive and principled mediator in the peace process, demonstrating  that American diplomacy values human life as highly as strategic  corridors.

"We urge you to use every opportunity to ensure the reunification of  these people with their families." "Your leadership on this issue  will be a powerful demonstration of America's unwavering commitment  to faith, freedom, and the rule of law," Mane Tandilyan said in her  letter.

The exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in  Azerbaijani prisons remains unknown. Experts estimate their number to  be in the hundreds. Currently, the Azerbaijani authorities confirm  the presence of 19 Armenians. Among those held in Azerbaijani  captivity are eight former and current members of the  military-political leadership of Artsakh. These include former  presidents of Artsakh 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.

On February 5, the Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan,  Davit, and others on trumped-up charges. Babayan, David Ishkhanyan,  David Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan were sentenced to life  imprisonment, while Bako Sahakyan and Arkady Ghukasyan were sentenced  to 20 years in prison. The so- called court sentenced the remaining  Artsakh residents to up to 15 years in prison. The verdict has not  yet been announced for philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan, whose case has  been separated into separate proceedings.