Armenia's Government Criticized Over Prisoners, Artsakh Policy

Armenia's Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan faced public backlash after dismissing journalists' questions about Armenian prisoners of war held in Azerbaijan during a June campaign appearance in Gyumri. The incident sparked criticism that the government treats the prisoner issue and broader Artsakh concerns as political liabilities rather than matters of national priority.

Critics point to recent actions they say demonstrate hostility toward Artsakh Armenians, including an Armenian court ruling that invalidated the Republic of Artsakh's legal registration over its Yerevan representation building—one of the last institutional symbols of the former territory. Attorney Roman Yeritsyan condemned the decision as historically significant dispossession. Opposition lawmakers accused authorities of pursuing policies designed to appease Azerbaijan while marginalizing Artsakh Armenians within Armenia itself. Additional concerns include reported phone confiscations from Artsakh's president and eviction proceedings against a decorated veteran.