ICRC Representatives Have Not Visited Captured Artsakh Officials: Zara Amatuni

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) representatives have not visited former high-ranking officials of Artsakh captured by Azerbaijan. Zara Amatuni, the head of communication programs at the ICRC's Armenia office, stated this in response to an inquiry from Armenia Today.

Question: “Have the representatives of the Red Cross visited the former presidents of Artsakh, former Minister of State Ruben Vardanyan, former commander of the Defense Army, Speaker of the National Assembly, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs? If not, are there any plans for a visit, and are there specific timelines regarding a prospective visit?”

Answer: “Not yet, but the issue remains a priority for us. We do not discuss this topic in advance, and there are no specific timelines allowing us to arrange visits.”

Question: “When was the last time ICRC representatives visited civilians captured by Azerbaijan?”

Answer: “The last visit to all Armenian detainees confirmed by the Azerbaijani authorities took place in early September. On October 3, Azerbaijani media reported the arrest of three former presidents of Artsakh and the Speaker of the National Assembly. On September 30, Azerbaijan's prosecutor's office announced the detention of former Foreign Minister and presidential assistant Davit Babayan, and the former commander of the Artsakh army, Lieutenant General Levon Mnatsakanyan.”

It is noted that Davit Babayan was captured on September 30, and Levon Mnatsakanyan was captured on September 29. Former Minister of State Ruben Vardanyan was also captured on September 27. The Armenian government has appealed to the European Court of Human Rights regarding his detention and requested information about Vardanyan's status, conditions of detention and health condition. On September 28, Azerbaijani media reported that Vardanyan has been detained for four months.