How Were the Prisoners of War Returned Yesterday and What Do Their Parents Say?

Yesterday, information was spread that Azerbaijan returned five Armenian prisoners of war. This time, they returned to Armenia not by air but by land. The return of the captives occurred at the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. However, it was difficult for the Ministry of Defense to specify which border, as the National Security Service is handling that matter. According to Hraparak.am, the Armenian prisoners were initially transported from Baku to the territories of Nagorno-Karabakh, and later handed over to the Russian military near Shushi.

The Ministry of Defense also informed the media that the Armenian prisoners arrived in Yerevan around 1:30 AM and immediately visited the Central Military Hospital, where they underwent medical examinations. No issues were identified, and they were discharged afterward. However, as it turned out, they did not reach home. According to sources, they are still at the Armenian Investigative Committee.

“Yes, my son has returned, but I haven’t seen him yet; I spoke with him on the phone, we haven’t taken him home yet. He was drafted by M.O.B. and had been in captivity for a year and 8 months; we had no idea that they would bring them yesterday; it was a complete surprise,” said Artashes Grigoryan, the father of 25-year-old Felix Grigoryan who returned from captivity last night.

It is noteworthy that four of the returned prisoners are from Shirak Province, specifically from the city of Gyumri. They are all reserve soldiers of M.O.B. who were captured in November 2020, after the war ended.

“Yesterday, at the very beginning, my son's name was listed among the returnees, and then it was removed. Can you imagine our family’s state and our emotions? He has been in captivity for a year and 9 months...” said the mother of the reserve soldier from Gyumri, Mrs. Haykush.

When asked where it was written and who removed it, she replied, “The media, I don't remember which one, but they had written it...”

Hovhannes Gevorgyan, the father of 23-year-old reserve soldier Robert Gevorgyan, also expected that his son would be among those released. Later, he learned that, once again, like the previous time, his name was missing from the list. “I already had experience, so I didn’t get my hopes up like last time; they said they were bringing him, he didn’t come; my father died from that pain waiting for his grandson. This time, I waited until it was officially announced,” said Robert’s father.

The Baku court has sentenced his son to six years in prison. “I spoke with my son on the 1st, and he said he was doing well... I got in touch with the father of one of those who returned, and I told him that it’s important for us to see them; I will arrange to meet with them,” he said.