Mekhitarist Catholic Member Condemns Abuse of Armenian Political Prisoners in Azerbaijan, Calls for Their Release
An Armenian Catholic religious member is condemning the treatment of Armenian political prisoners in Azerbaijan and calling for global attention to their plight. Hamazasp Kechichian, a member of the Mekhitarist Order and rector of the Mekhitarist Seminary, issued a strong statement denouncing what he called "sham trials" and the mistreatment of detainees, including philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan.
“We have been following with concern the sham trials in the capital of our genocidal neighbor,” Kechichian said in an exclusive statement to 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.”
He emphasized that these trials are rooted in anti-Armenian sentiment and occur under an authoritarian government. Azerbaijan, he noted, is ruled by Ilham Aliyev, who inherited power from his father, Heydar Aliyev. Kechichian described Azerbaijan as “the second-oldest hereditary dictatorship in the world after North Korea.”
Kechichian expressed deep concern for the well-being of Armenian political prisoners held in Azerbaijan, particularly Ruben Vardanyan, a businessman and philanthropist who has been imprisoned in Baku. He noted that Vardanyan appeared unwell and emphasized his recent hunger strike as an act of defiance against mistreatment.
“The only thing to be taken seriously is the state of the Artsakh Armenian political prisoners,” he said. “Ruben Vardanyan, in particular, looks obviously unwell, and his courageous hunger strike speaks volumes about the abusive treatment and tortures they are exposed to.”
Kechichian recalled meeting Vardanyan in Venice during Aurora Prize ceremonies held at St. Lazarus, the spiritual center of the Mekhitarist Congregation. He praised Vardanyan’s dedication to the Armenian people, noting that the businessman had publicly expressed sorrow for both Armenian and Azerbaijani soldiers lost in conflict.
“That speaks to his deep humanity that transcends the hatred and the pettiness of our neighbors,” Kechichian said.
Kechichian urged Armenians to set aside their differences and stand together in the face of external threats. He stressed that national unity is crucial, especially when dealing with issues that affect the homeland.
“We Armenians must stand united and set aside all differences to stand up for our fellow Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan,” he said. “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.”
——————————————————————————————The Mekhitarists, officially the Benedictine Congregation of the Mekhitarists, are an Armenian Catholic monastic order founded in 1700 by Mekhitar of Sebaste. The order, which follows the Benedictine tradition, is dedicated to preserving and promoting Armenian culture, language, and religious heritage.
The Mekhitarists established their headquarters on the island of San Lazzaro in Venice, Italy, in 1717. Over the centuries, they have played a key role in Armenian scholarship, publishing books, historical texts, and translations that have helped sustain Armenian identity worldwide. The order also operates seminaries and cultural institutions in Armenia and other countries with Armenian communities.
Today, the Mekhitarists continue their mission of education, faith, and national preservation. Their commitment to Armenian heritage remains strong, even in the face of political challenges and regional conflicts.
As the situation of Armenian political prisoners remains uncertain, Kechichian and the Mekhitarist Order stand firm in their call for justice and unity. They remain hopeful that “better days will come” and that all detainees will be reunited with their families soon.
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