ICRC Spokesperson Discusses Open Letter from Vigen Euljikian's Family: Why Was He Replaced?

Human rights defender Lusyana Minasian and Turkish journalist Uzay Bulut have sent an open letter on behalf of Vigen Euljikian, an Armenian-Lebanese who was captured after the 44-day war, to the Armenian office of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), specifically directed to Zara Amatuni, the head of communication programs.

In the letter, they detail all circumstances before and after Euljikian's captivity and note that when his name appeared on the list for the release of captives, his family joyfully and hopefully prepared for his arrival. However, they experienced deep disappointment when, at the last moment, another prisoner was released instead of Vigen. “The last-minute replacement may be due to Vigen's deteriorating health and the severe psychological and emotional pressures he is under. Not to mention that he was living in unbearable prison conditions. We ask for your support in finding the necessary means to confirm Vigen's health and well-being... We request your kind intervention, on behalf of Vigen's family, to urgently obtain information regarding Vigen Euljikian's whereabouts and health status, so that his family can have hope and peace,” the letter states.

In an interview with Aysor.am, Zara Amatuni indicated that she was aware of the open letter directed at her through social media. “I am a spokesperson and not the head of the organization, but regardless, I cannot say that I have received the letter in person, as I have seen it on social media; I have forwarded it to the appropriate department responsible for issues concerning detained persons. I can only state that as a fact, but I cannot provide further comments,” she said.

When asked how warranted the concerns expressed in the letter were regarding Vigen's health and whether that was the reason for not transferring him, Zara Amatuni responded that the ICRC is not involved in such negotiations about whom to transfer and whom not to; that decision is made by the relevant authorities. “However, among other detained Armenians, we have continually visited him and continue to visit him. Any observations we have regarding this person's health, we naturally discuss with the relevant authorities while maintaining constant contact with the family. I cannot publicly respond to that letter at this moment, but we are, of course, in touch and will continue to be in contact with this person's family and the families of other individuals. We do not communicate with families in public forums, as we have this direct connection,” she said.

If they had knowledge that Vigen's health condition was severe, would they immediately inform his family? Zara Amatuni replied, “Of course, we talk to them about all issues concerning their relative.”