Azerbaijanis Have Killed Captured Armenian Soldier, Body Identified Through Triple DNA Testing

Footage featuring Armenian prisoners of war emerged on Azerbaijani social networks on November 24, including 18-year-old Erik Mkrtchyan from the village of Katnajiur in the Lori region. Erik was conscripted into the army on July 8, 2020, and participated in combat operations during the war unleashed by Azerbaijan, specifically in Jabrail (Jrakan), Ara Mountain, and Hadrut. He last contacted his family on October 8 from Hadrut.

On November 24, the video that surfaced on social media revealed that Erik had been taken captive. His family members appealed to the Armenian office of the Red Cross, the Human Rights Defender, and all possible organizations and individuals responsible for the matter, demanding his return. Despite the fact that videos documenting the capture had been released by the Azerbaijani side, the Red Cross inquiries did not yield any positive responses, meaning that the Azerbaijani side had not confirmed the fact of his captivity.

While the family awaited every moment for Erik's return to the homeland, news of his death was confirmed on April 8. All three DNA tests positively identified Erik. His body was discovered during search operations. This information was confirmed in an interview with Armenian Time by Erik's relatives. This once again proves that the soldier, who was captured alive and healthy, is now deceased. It appears that Erik was simply killed after being taken captive, filmed, and posted on social media.