Azerbaijan Condemns Armenia’s Allegations on Treatment of Detainees and War Crime Trials
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Azerbaijan has firmly rejected and condemned the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia on February 28, 2025, which alleged mistreatment of Armenian detainees and those accused of war crimes in Azerbaijan. Aykhan Hajizada, spokesperson for Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, strongly refuted the claims regarding the ongoing trials of these detainees.
“We resolutely condemn and reject the statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, which includes baseless allegations about the mistreatment of Armenian detainees and the judicial process surrounding those accused of war crimes in Azerbaijan,” said Hajizada in his official comments.
He emphasized that the individuals in question, including former separatist leaders and other Armenian detainees, have been charged or convicted of serious offenses such as war crimes, ethnic cleansing, military aggression, and torture. “Azerbaijan has the legal right and obligation to investigate and prosecute these offenses under the Geneva Conventions and international and domestic law,” Hajizada added, clarifying that the detentions have a legitimate legal basis and do not violate the detainees’ rights.
Highlighting Azerbaijan’s adherence to international law, Hajizada noted that under the Third Geneva Convention, prisoners of war can be detained until criminal proceedings are completed. He further stressed that all the rights of the accused are upheld, with court proceedings and testimonies duly recorded. Allegations of ill-treatment have been thoroughly investigated and proven to be false, with independent visits conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross, and detainees being allowed regular communications with their families.
Additionally, Hajizada pointed to Azerbaijan’s humanitarian efforts, citing the release and repatriation of over 200 Armenian detainees since the 2020 war. “However, it is important to note that after Azerbaijan’s return of prisoners of war, some of them underwent imprisonment and interrogation by Armenian authorities,” he said. He also referenced Azerbaijan’s 2023 anti-terror operations, which resulted in over 10,000 Armenian armed forces members laying down their arms and leaving Azerbaijani territories.
In contrast, Hajizada criticized Armenia for failing to investigate the mistreatment of Azerbaijani prisoners of war and civilians, or to provide information on the whereabouts of approximately 4,000 missing Azerbaijanis. According to witnesses and various reports, Azerbaijani POWs were subjected to torture, ill-treatment, and degrading conditions, in clear violation of international humanitarian law.
Hajizada also expressed concern over Armenia’s dismissal of the ongoing trials, stating, “Such a statement from Armenia reflects the nervousness of its political establishment regarding the ongoing war crimes trials, as Armenia’s support of aggressive actions against Azerbaijan cannot be denied.” He reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their actions, regardless of political manipulations.
Calling for an end to baseless statements, Hajizada urged Armenia to focus on peace efforts and recognize the importance of bringing perpetrators of war crimes to justice. “At this critical juncture, the Azerbaijani side expects the Armenian side to refrain from actions that undermine peace and stability in the region,” he concluded.
