ICRC reps visit Armenian war criminals detained in Azerbaijan

Spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delegation in Azerbaijan Ilaha Huseynova has said that in January, ICRC representatives once again visited individuals of Armenian descent detained in Azerbaijan on charges of war crimes. 

“Individual meetings were held with the detainees, and conditions were created for them to communicate with their families,” she told Report, Caliber.Az informs.

"According to its mandate, the ICRC assesses the treatment of detainees and the conditions of their detention. ICRC facilitates the restoration or maintenance of communication between detainees and their families. The detaining party is informed about all observations and recommendations made following such visits, in line with the ICRC’s established procedures," she said.

Azerbaijani law enforcement bodies detained and brought to Baku several separatist leaders and representatives of the self-proclaimed entity in Karabakh. Among them are former "presidents" of the separatist regime in Karabakh, including Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Araik Harutyunyan, former "foreign minister" David Babayan, "chairman of the parliament" David Ishkhanyan, and “generals” Lyova Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan and "state minister" Ruben Vardanyan.

Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian tycoon who financially supported the separatist movement, was the first to be arrested on September 27, 2023. The detentions come after the Azerbaijani government regained control of Karabakh following the 2020 war.

These individuals face serious charges under Azerbaijan's Criminal Code, including terrorism, financing terrorism, and the illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

Specifically, they have been accused of engaging in terrorism, supporting armed groups, and organizing training for terrorism. Vardanyan, in particular, is accused of fueling separatism both politically and financially, having renounced his Russian citizenship and moved to Karabakh in September 2022.

Azerbaijan's actions are part of a broader effort to hold accountable those involved in the separatist regime, following its collapse after the 2020 ceasefire. The detentions and charges reflect legal ramifications following the Karabakh conflict.

By Naila Huseynova