Ombudsman urges ICRC to arrange meeting with Azerbaijani captive in Armenia

Azerbaijan Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) Sabina Aliyeva has issued a statement regarding the beating and torture of Azerbaijani serviceman Huseyn Akhundov (born in 2003), who was taken prisoner after he lost his way in bad weather and ended up in Armenian territory.

A video is circulating on social and traditional media, showing the brutal and inhumane attitude of Armenians towards the Azerbaijani soldier, who is tied up and helpless on the ground, Caliber.Az reports.

According to Aliyeva's statement on the case, the Armenian side acknowledged the custody of two Azerbaijani servicemen.

Aliyeva's statement on the case noted that the Armenian side had confirmed the detention of two Azerbaijani servicemen.

"The footage circulated depicts torture and cruel, inhuman treatment towards an Azerbaijani prisoner of war in Armenia, in flagrant violation of international agreements.

According to the Geneva Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War, they must be treated with humanity and must be protected from cruel treatment and threats.

As the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan, I am appealing to international organisations in connection with the fact of inhuman treatment of an Azerbaijani soldier by the Armenian side, demanding a response to it and calling on Armenia to respect the requirements of international law it has undertaken.

I also demand that the Azerbaijani captive meet with representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) promptly,” Sabina Aliyeva stressed.