The Armenian Human Rights Defender’s Office (HRDO) has called on the Armenian government to publish the number of Armenians now held captive in Azerbaijan, arguing that the matter is of “public importance” and that the government’s allegation that the issue is “super sensitive” is not acceptable.

The HRDO, in a statement released today, says the state must show what legitimate interest it is pursuing by not publishing such data.

The HRDO’s statement, in part, reads:

“In fact, the publication of the number of captives held by the Armenian side in Azerbaijan will at least: 1) significantly increase international pressure on Azerbaijan to release and return the captives, 2) provide grounds for additional obligations of Azerbaijan, 3) increase the level of protection of prisoners held in Azerbaijan, 4) demonstrate publicly and emphasize the state's respect for the rights of prisoners and their families, 5) publicly emphasize the state's responsible attitude towards this issue of public importance, and 6) finally, through such a stance, the state will be eliminate or otherwise significantly reduce efforts and any attempts by either side to manipulate and mislead the public with false information.

“Therefore, the competent state body of the Republic of Armenia must publish the number of prisoners of the Armenian side who, according to the information at its disposal or in its belief, are currently being held captive in Azerbaijan.”