41 Convicted Prisoners of War Currently in Baku; ICRC Representatives Also Meeting with Convicted Armenians

The head of communication programs at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Zara Amatuni, informed Factinfo that as a neutral mediator, they continue their regular visits to Armenian prisoners of war and civilians held in Azerbaijan. The ICRC does not publish statistical data regarding Armenian captives in Azerbaijan.

“The latest series of visits by ICRC representatives to Armenian captives took place in late June and early July,” Amatuni noted. She provided information that during these visits, all detained Armenians were given the opportunity to establish contact by recording video messages for their families, as well as making phone calls and writing letters.

The ICRC representatives are also meeting individuals convicted under Azerbaijani law. As an international humanitarian organization, they make no distinction between detained individuals and continue their visits regardless of their legal status within the country.

“Regardless of their status—whether they are prisoners of war, captured civilians, or convicted under local laws—they remain protected under the provisions of international law, which allows us to carry out our mandate towards these individuals,” she emphasized.

Following the return of 15 Armenian captives on July 3, Azerbaijan now confirms the captivity of 45 individuals. Since the war, 103 captives have returned from Azerbaijan to Armenia, and Lebanon has also welcomed back Lebanese-Armenian Maral Najaryan. According to unofficial data, more than 100 of our compatriots continue to remain in Baku. After July 22, 39 Armenians were sentenced to six years in prison, while two received 15 years each.