Azerbaijani Diaspora Condemns Inhuman Torture on Soldier – Demands Action Against Armenia on Violation of Geneva Convention

LAHORE/ Pakistan: 14 April 2023 – The citizens of Azerbaijan living abroad have strongly condemned the brutal torture on Azerbaijani soldier who mistakenly entered into Armenian territory due to bad weather and limited visibility in the border area. The Azerbaijani Diaspora have urged upon the international organizations to take notice of Armenia’s violation of Geneva convention and other international conventions on prisoners of war.

The representative of the citizens in Pakistan, Ms Shahla  Isaeva said, “We, Azerbaijanis living abroad, regretfully inform that a few days ago, in the Shahbuz region of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of Azerbaijan along the border with Armenia, the soldiers of the Azerbaijani army, who went missing due to limited visibility and bad weather conditions – Babirov Agshin Gabil, born in 2004, and Akhundov Huseyn Ahliman, born in 2003, were captured by Armenia”

She add,” The  photos and videos published and aired  by the mass media of Armenia are clearly evidence the fact of torturing and other inhuman actions in relation to a serviceman of Azerbaijan in violation of international legal documents. Thus, from the video it can be seen how an Azerbaijani serviceman is being beaten with his hands tied and is being insulted.”

“According to the 3rd Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War, persons who do not take an active part in the hostilities, shall at all times be treated humanely and prisoners of war shall always be protected against acts of violence and intimidation. So, this fact is another evidence of Armenia’s breach of its obligations under the Geneva Convention, Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and other important international acts, and widespread ethnic hatred and racial discrimination against Azerbaijanis in this country, Ms Shahla noted.

The relevant international organizations should investigate and properly evaluate the said violence, including the violence committed by Armenia against Azerbaijani prisoners of war and civilian prisoners, and 3,890 missing Azerbaijanis over the past 30 years.

As Azerbaijanis living abroad, we once again strongly condemn this crime and urge the international community to give a legal assessment to the actions of the Armenian government and crime perpetrators and ensure the immediate and unconditional release of Azerbaijani servicemen who got lost by passing to the Armenia-controlled area due to the adverse weather conditions.

She demanded that the Representation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Armenia urgently visit those servicemen and provide information about their condition. We invite the world community to react to this fact and call Armenia to fulfill its obligations arising from international law.