Paris, Lyon, Geneva December 08, 2023
The Libertas collective welcomes the release of 32 Armenian prisoners of war and civilians, announced as part of an agreement between the Armenian and Azerbaijani governments.
Libertas recalls that it had taken up the cause for the release of these prisoners by soliciting international NGOs and French and European local authorities to sponsor their release.
According to initial information to be confirmed, the 32 released prisoners include civilians captured in Shushi in the aftermath of the 2020 ceasefire, 26 Armenian soldiers captured by the Azerbaijani army on December 13-14, 2020 during the occupation of Hadrout in the south of the Republic of Artsakh, as well as soldiers and civilians kidnapped first in May 2021, then in August 2023 on the illegal checkpoint between Artsakh and Armenia.
Azerbaijan is holding a further 23 Armenians, civilians, military personnel and politicians from the Republic of Artsakh. Among them are Armenian soldiers who fought in the first Artsakh war, guilty of taking part in Armenian self-defense in the face of ethnic cleansing by Azerbaijan. These people are currently facing sentences of up to 20 years in prison, for crimes invented during mock trials in a country well known for its low level of democracy.
Hilda Tchoboian, of the Libertas collective, declared on this occasion: “Libertas is delighted that these prisoners will be returning to their families in the next few days, and hopes that their release will finally put an end to their suffering, as well as that of all their relatives traumatized by seeing the scenes of mistreatment inflicted on the captured Armenians”.
These releases, which came 3 years late for certain prisoners used as bargaining chips in the peace negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, must be followed by the release of all other prisoners held hostage by the Aliev regime.
Libertas reports that the ICRC visits prisoners of war and detained civilians every 5 weeks. However, it appears that abducted and illegally detained political leaders do not benefit from these regular visits. LIBERTAS fears for their health, and in the absence of reliable information from impartial international organizations, warns Azerbaijan against possible mistreatment of them.
Libertas would like to thank all the sponsors, cities, personalities and NGOs, who have committed themselves to the protection and release of the POWs now freed. Their commitment has now been rewarded.
Like the rest of the prisoners of war held in Baku, the 8 leaders of the Republic of Artsakh must be released unconditionally.
The LIBERTAS Collective