Mekhitarist member calls for global attention to violence against Armenian Christian political prisoners in Baku

Hamazasp Kechichian, a member of the Mekhitarist Order and rector of the Mekhitarist Seminary, condemned the treatment of Armenian political prisoners in Azerbaijan and called for global attention to their plight in an exclusive statement to The Armenian Report.

“We have been following with concern the sham trials in the capital of our genocidal neighbor,” he told The Armenian Report. “Nobody can take any proceedings in that country seriously. Anything that happens in an Azerbaijani court is a parody of due process.”

Kechichian expressed deep concern for the well-being of Armenian political prisoners held in Azerbaijan, particularly businessman and philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan.

“Ruben Vardanyan, in particular, looks obviously unwell, and his courageous hunger strike speaks volumes about the abusive treatment and tortures they are exposed to,” he said.

He urged all Armenians to set aside their differences and stand together in the face of external threats, emphasizing that national unity is crucial, especially when dealing with issues that affect our homeland.

“We Armenians must stand united and set aside all differences to stand up for our fellow Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan. This is valid for any issue that pertains to our homeland and our nation. We are one unbreakable nation. We have been firm in our Christian faith forever amid all the ordeals we have been through, and we shall eternally stay true to who we are and what we believe in as Armenians,” Kechichian said.