We strongly condemn the "court process" of Armenia against Babirov Agshin Gabil and Akhundov Huseyn Ahliman, soldiers of the Azerbaijan Army who went missing and were captured by Armenia in the border area of Shahbuz district of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic with Armenia in April of 2023, and the so-called "decision" regarding the arrest of Aghshin Babirov, EDnews informs that Ministry of Foreign Affairs told this.
It was stated that Armenia, which subjected Azerbaijani soldiers to brutal physical tortures, also subjected them to moral and psychological tortures through such a set-up "court process": "With such irresponsible behavior, Armenia once again demonstrates that it ignores its legal responsibility under international humanitarian law, the calls of the international community for the release of hostages, and the principles of humanism."
The fact that the Armenian side did not respond to the confidence-building measures for the immediate return of the Armenian hostages, especially the more than 10 soldiers who crossed the border astray, without any reservations, shows that Armenia is not interested in reconciliation and confidence-building measures in the region. The responsibility for undermining confidence-building efforts with this behavior falls entirely on the Armenian side. Armenia must stop this provocative activity, which is a gross violation of international humanitarian law, and immediately release the hostage soldiers. We call on the entire international community, relevant international organizations and non-governmental organizations to exert serious influence and pressure on Armenia for the quick release of our hostage soldiers and their reunification with their family members."
