“I am in Yerevan, many people support me, but our compatriots in Baku are completely isolated”: Tsarukyan

Gagik Tsarukyan, leader of Prosperous Armenia, sent a message from the penitentiary institution, touching on the issue of Armenian prisoners held in Baku.

“Although I try to avoid talking about my court case, after the first hearing I want to share my feelings. Throughout the trial and after it, one thought gives me no peace. I try to imagine what our compatriots who are standing trial in Baku’s courts are feeling. How worthily these people conduct themselves under enormous psychological pressure, absolute isolation and an information blockade.

Imagine for just a second the atmosphere and, in general, the conditions in which court hearings take place in Baku, during which our compatriots defend both themselves and Armenia with dignity.

Unjust accusations are always bad and psychologically crushing. But I think that I am in Yerevan, and in the courtroom and in the courtyard I am supported by many people: lawyers who are doing excellent work, public figures, human rights defenders, and media outlets that record violations and show the truth. I receive words of support. This is a completely different environment.

After all, in the courtroom at least, I can see my loved ones and my friends. Even the investigators and prosecutors, who still do not want to admit that an injustice is being committed, are still my compatriots. Now that an injustice is being done to me, I think: maybe this is just a stage in life, maybe they are not such bad people after all, and one day they will also admit that everything going on is, to put it mildly, not quite right.

But in Baku’s courts, our compatriots, among whom are some of my friends, are completely isolated and deprived of any kind of support, and in these conditions they conduct themselves with such dignity.

By the way, I learned that the trial of Mikael Srbazan was also held in the courtroom where our trial is taking place, a man for whom I have always had deep respect. Perhaps there are no coincidences in life.

I am, of course, not a saint, but in this criminal case I am completely innocent. Realizing this gives me strength and faith that justice will prevail.

Thank you for the huge support that I have seen and felt. In the courtroom I saw people close to me and people I know, as well as figures from various public circles. This gives additional strength and confidence.

Freedom for our compatriots held in Baku!

Freedom for all political prisoners!” he wrote.