20 human rights organizations are appealing to US Vice President Jay D. Vance regarding life or long-term prison sentences made as a result of sham trials in Baku.
The letter is below:
"Dear Mr. Vice President,
We welcome your visit to the Republic of Armenia and we hope that it will serve as an impetus for the deepening of Armenian-American relations and the establishment of stable peace in the region.
Considering that during your busy visit you will be in both Armenia and Azerbaijan, we, the undersigned human rights organizations, draw your attention to an important humanitarian issue: the release of Christian Armenian prisoners held in Baku.
The recent repatriation of four of them demonstrated the critical importance of this humanitarian issue for our society. The release and repatriation of all Armenians imprisoned in the context of the armed conflict is of primary importance for the peace process and is an important confidence-building measure. Unfortunately, 19 Christian Armenians are still being held and suffering in the Azeri prison.
Considering US President Donald J. Trump's unique role in brokering the peace agreement and facilitating the peace process, the active support of the US administration is invaluable in making their return possible. Such support becomes all the more urgent given the deeply troubling statements by Azerbaijani officials that they have no intention of returning former Nagorno-Karabakh officials. During this period, the false court proceedings against Armenians continued, which were conducted in complete violation of the principles of fair trial. Bogus trials resulted in life or long-term prison sentences today, which are not in line with the peace agenda.
The issue of the return of Christian Armenian captives was raised in Washington in 2025. in August US President Donald J. During the signing of the Peace Agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and high-level meetings under the leadership of Trump.
The current US administration has consistently emphasized the centrality of human rights guarantees. President Donald J. Even during the pre-election period, Trump emphasized the importance of protecting persecuted Christians. We are sure that the US administration can rightfully play a major role in the release of Armenian Christians held in Baku.
Today, under the leadership of the US president, Armenia and Azerbaijan are trying to take steps towards achieving peace, but it is obvious that for the Armenian public, Azerbaijan's promises of peace cannot sound credible as long as Armenians are kept there and subjected to suffering.
We, the undersigned human rights organizations, are convinced that the resolution of humanitarian issues is key to building trust between the two countries. Without such trust, it is impossible to achieve lasting peace.
Therefore, it is our request and appeal to you and the US administration to take steps so that the imprisoned Armenians can join their families as soon as possible. We believe that you can really solve this humanitarian problem and put an end to the suffering of many Armenian families.
Signed by:
"Center for International and Comparative Law" NGO
"Protection of rights without borders" NGO
Transparency International Anti-Corruption Center
Law Development and Defense Fund
"Agenda for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" NGO
Humanitarian NGO "Dignity".
"Helsinki Association" human rights NGO
Helsinki Civic Assembly Vanadzor office
"Peace Dialogue" NGO
"Public Journalism Club" NGO
"Armenian Progressive Youth" NGO
"Journalists for Human Rights" NGO
"Community Consolidation and Support Center" NGO
"New Culture of Justice" NGO
"Social Justice" NGO
"For Equal Rights" NGO
"Union for the Protection of the Interests and Rights of the People of Artsakh" NGO
"Mission Armenia" PAP
"Against legal arbitrariness" NGO
"ARBANE" Foundation," it is written in the message spread by lawbreakers.
Let's remind that US Vice President James Davis Vance is expected to visit Armenia and Azerbaijan in the near future.
US President Donald Trump said that Vance's visit will allow to strengthen peace initiatives and advance the "Trump Way".
