“Free the Over 200 Prisoners”: Armenian Community Protests in Brussels

The Armenian community in Brussels, the capital of Belgium, has held a peaceful protest. The participants of the demonstration are demanding the immediate release of all Armenian prisoners of war and hostages illegally held in Azerbaijan, as well as their swift return to their homeland.

Protesters displayed banners reading “Free the over 200 prisoners,” “Aliyev refuses to provide information to the Red Cross about Armenian prisoners held in Baku,” “Azerbaijan violates the Geneva Convention,” “Your silence does not free Armenian soldiers,” and “Azerbaijan has abducted peaceful Armenians and is unlawfully holding them in Baku.”

It is noteworthy that the sixth summit of the Eastern Partnership is currently taking place in Brussels. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is in Brussels for the second working day. The Prime Minister has already had a private conversation with the President of the European Council, Charles Michel. Following this, he also met with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

It was previously reported that the issue of prisoners of war would be discussed during the meeting, yet no official statement has been released after the encounter.

Recall that 21 soldiers captured on November 16 remain in Baku. According to the Armenian side, Baku is also currently confirming the detention of 40 individuals during the 44-day war.