Armenian MP hails Artsakh leader's defiance in Azerbaijani prison

Armenian opposition MP Tigran Abrahamyan has praised former Artsakh parliament speaker Davit Ishkhanyan for his steadfast resolve while imprisoned in Azerbaijan.

In a statement responding to a message issued by Ishkhanyan from a prison in Baku on Thursday, Abrahamyan said the former Artsakh official had informed Armenian Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan of violations against Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, including serious procedural abuses during the investigation and trial process.

According to Abrahamyan, Ishkhanyan believes the proceedings in Azerbaijani courts are aimed not only at Armenian prisoners, but also at undermining Armenian statehood.

Abrahamyan further stated that the Azerbaijani authorities are persistently attempting to portray Armenia as an occupier and a war criminal, while also criticizing the Armenian government’s conciliatory stance toward Baku.

“Davit Ishkhanyan remains unbroken, continuing to defend his principles and convictions even under imprisonment in Azerbaijan,” Abrahamyan said, calling for the release of all Armenian prisoners held in Baku.