Hetq — Veronika Zonabend has again sent official letters to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijani Human Rights Commissioner Sabina Aliyeva, aiming to organize an international women’s humanitarian delegation visit to Baku. She notes that 100 days have passed since Ruben Vardanyan was transferred to the Umbaki penitentiary complex, and he has not been able to see his family members even once since September 2023.
This initiative is based purely on humanitarian concerns, specifically visiting Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, delivering letters, photos, and permitted items from their relatives, and restoring contact with their families. As previous applications received no official response, Zonabend reached out to both parties again on July 30, this time presenting specific proposals for organizing the humanitarian visit.
She expects support from Ms. Aliyeva in organizing visits with the prisoners, clarifying the format of the visit, and ensuring the safety of the delegation and the procedure for delivering parcels. Various options are proposed for discussion, including a full delegation visit, a smaller group, or a visit accompanied by the Ombudsman's staff, which would allow for direct contact with the prisoners.
Zonabend asks the Prime Minister of Armenia to appoint a coordinator and provide the necessary diplomatic and practical support. She emphasizes that all her actions are open and responsible, and that she is ready for cooperation, anticipating official responses and a resolution to the issue.
