Presence of political prisoners in Armenia is incompatible with European principles: Member of the European Parliament

Dutch Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and co-chair of the Greens group Bas Eickhout spoke with Alpha News about whether Armenia’s domestic political situation had been raised with the country’s prime minister alongside discussions of cooperation.

“We approached European Parliament President Roberta Metsola with a request to clearly convey to Armenia’s leadership represented by the prime minister, who addressed parliament in Strasbourg, that the existence of political prisoners is unacceptable,” the MEP said.

According to Eickhout, the European side made clear that expanding cooperation and building ties with new allies is a natural and necessary process, but one that must always rest on the principles of the rule of law.

“We strongly condemn the practice of holding political prisoners. Such things are incompatible with the principles of a democratic state, and it is with democratic states that Europe intends to develop partnerships,” he said.

During the session, there was no opportunity to pose questions to the prime minister, as the format allowed only for a formal address. However, the MEP noted that substantive discussions did take place behind the scenes.

“We naturally discussed these matters in the corridors. Roberta Metsola is in contact with the president, so the relevant messages should be getting through,” he said.