Currently, it is believed that there are about two dozen captives: Siranush Sahakyan

Siranush Sahakyan, a human rights defender and representative of captives at the European Court of Human Rights, answered questions from "Hraparak."

- Just a few days before this escalation, Azerbaijan returned 5 Armenian captives to the Armenian side. It was stated that there was no mediation involved, and that it was a display of goodwill.

- In reality, there was mediation from the European Union. This followed a meeting between Armenian leaders and EU officials in Brussels. It is evident that this is connected to EU mediation, but there was also another development: the handover of Berdzor and Agavno settlements to Azerbaijan. In other words, there was satisfaction of a political demand, and as a rule, humanitarian steps can follow the satisfaction of such demands with the mediation of international partners. I believe that the return of a small number of captives is related to these two developments.

- How many confirmed captives do we currently have in Azerbaijan? What is the status of legal processes concerning them?

- Before these new military operations, there were confirmed 33 captives, but this number is obviously small and does not reflect the real figures, as an additional 80 individuals had been captured by Azerbaijan, and they have simply fallen victim to enforced disappearance. There is an active phase of communication. Written documents are being exchanged between the parties with the court's mediation, and both sides are expressing their positions on legal issues, facts, and evidence. All cases presented have been registered, admission criteria have been met, and at this point, the procedures are proceeding through direct written proceedings.

- Since yesterday, Azerbaijan has started a new war at the borders with Armenia. We have new captives. What information do you have on how many new captives have been confirmed at this time?

- Due to these new incidents, there are indeed captives. They exceed a dozen. The videos are being studied, and identification work is currently underway by state structures as well as human rights defenders conducting fact-finding missions. The Red Cross is also gathering information based on requests from relatives. For this reason, all individuals who recognize their children or relatives in the videos should also pass this information on to the Red Cross. If there are no details about a person, that information should also be conveyed to the Red Cross and human rights organizations. At this time, we believe that there are about two dozen captives.

- What measures are being taken at this moment regarding the captives?

- The Office of the Representative for International Legal Affairs, led by Yeghishe Kirakosyan, is involved in these efforts. Urgent requests for measures have been sent. We are also receiving information from relatives, carrying out identifications, and representing the captives within the framework of individual complaints.

- At this moment, you are in Washington. Is this a personal visit or part of a specific program?

- Yes, I am in Washington regarding these matters. Various meetings are scheduled with high-ranking officials with the participation of the Armenian National Committee of America, where we are raising humanitarian issues and also the use of force against Armenia and Artsakh.