Andranik Sukiasyan, Armenian Soldier Returned from Captivity, Sentenced to 6 Years in Prison

On December 13, 2023, a total of 31 Armenian servicemen captured between 2020 and 2023 crossed the Armenian-Azerbaijani border and returned to Armenia, along with one serviceman captured in September in the Republic of Artsakh.

Andranik Srapi Sukiasyan's trial took place at the Baku Court of Appeals. He was charged under Article 318.2, which pertains to the illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan by a group with prior agreement, and Article 228.3, which relates to the illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, or carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosive substances, and explosive devices by an organized group.

The prosecutor requested a 7-year prison sentence; however, the judge ultimately sentenced Sukiasyan to 6 years in prison. According to the court's decision, Sukiasyan and the other captives were required to leave Azerbaijani territory after serving their sentences.

Andranik Sukiasyan was born in the city of Gyumri, Shirak Province.