International delegates Shusha prison, hear accounts of torture, captivity PHOTO

As part of the international conference titled "Uniting Efforts and Enhancing Cooperation for Addressing the Issue of Missing Persons," held under the framework of the Baku Dialogue, delegates visited the historic Shusha prison — a site of deep historical significance and a stark reminder of the region’s past conflicts.

Delegates were briefed on the history of the facility, originally constructed in 1848 during the era of Tsarist Russia to detain individuals accused of serious crimes. However, following the occupation of Shusha by Armenian armed forces on May 8, 1992, during the First Karabakh War, the prison was repurposed into a place of captivity for Azerbaijani prisoners and hostages, Caliber.Az reports via Azertag.

According to the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons, around 400 Azerbaijani civilians and military personnel were held under brutal conditions in the prison. Of those, 216 were eventually released through various efforts. Tragically, many of the former detainees later died due to the severe physical and psychological torture they endured during captivity.

Delegates also received updates on the recent discovery of a mass grave within the prison grounds. In 2023, human remains were unearthed during an investigation conducted in three stages. Experts including archaeologists, anthropologists, and forensic specialists participated in the excavation process. The remains of 31 individuals were found, many buried in non-traditional positions and bearing signs of torture — indicating they had suffered inhumane treatment before death.

Authorities have confirmed that efforts are ongoing to identify the remains through forensic analysis.

By Sabina Mammadli