Garnik Danielyan, member of the Supreme Body of the ARF of Armenia, representative of the ARF Tavush Regional Committee, writes:
"Gentlemen, state officials, 19 people in Azerbaijan are citizens of the Republic of Armenia holding passports. Please know that this is not a matter of our individual honor. This is a matter of the honor of all of us."
These words of David Ishkhanyan are heard from an Azerbaijani prison.
It is impossible to read the letters of the members of the military-political leadership of Artsakh held hostage without emotion, pain and anger. People who are today in Azerbaijani prisons only because they defended their homeland, the rights and dignity of their people.
And the most painful thing today is that the behavior of the Armenian authorities often creates the impression that these people no longer exist.
They have repeatedly demonstrated their true attitude towards the prisoners. “The prisoners will forgive us for staying in captivity for 1-2 more months” (N.P.). “I consider those prisoners as if they no longer exist, they do not exist for me” (A.S.).
But they exist.
They have names, families, relatives, rights. And most importantly, they are citizens of the Republic of Armenia.
Despite trumped-up charges, trials, and physical and psychological violence, they continue to teach us all lessons in dignity.
Therefore, the issue of their freedom should be one of the priorities of the state agenda of the Republic of Armenia.
Indifference and silence can lead to disastrous consequences.
We must talk about them every day, demand their freedom, and use all possible political and diplomatic tools to return our compatriots.
Freedom to the captives.
Return to the homeland.
