EU lawmaker sends letter to Kaja Kallas regarding Ruben Vardanyan and other prisoners

Fernand Kartheiser, a member of the European Parliament representing Luxembourg, has sent a letter to Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, drawing attention to the current situation of Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian prisoners unlawfully held in Baku.

According to a report from Armenpress’s correspondent in Brussels, the MEP expressed significant concern over Vardanyan’s condition. As a member of the European Parliament, Kartheiser deemed it necessary to highlight the urgent issues related to Vardanyan’s detention and trial, which do not meet international legal standards. The EU lawmaker also noted that Vardanyan’s hunger strike has further raised concerns, as his health has sharply deteriorated, posing an immediate threat to his life.

“Along with Mr. Vardanyan, 22 other Armenians are being held in Azerbaijan, whose rights are being violated. Their detention contradicts the norms of international law. Given the seriousness of the situation, I would be deeply grateful if you could show your support on this matter. I am confident that specific actions taken by the EU can significantly assist these detainees. There is growing concern that they may be used as hostages,” Kartheiser wrote in his letter, urging Kaja Kallas to consider the possibility of advocating for the immediate release of Armenian prisoners and subsequently supporting their safe return to Armenia.

The lawmaker concluded his letter by noting that all of this is undoubtedly conditioned by the complex relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The MEP expressed hope that the EU will continue to contribute to the improvement of these relations and will help protect Armenia’s rights and security, especially given the potential for renewed violence at any moment.