Mirzoyan admits third-country efforts to free Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan have failed

YEREVAN— Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan has acknowledged that attempts to involve third countries in resolving the fate of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan have failed, while insisting that Yerevan continues working for their release.

Speaking to reporters on October 21, Mirzoyan said Armenia had approached foreign governments for assistance. Some refused to become involved, while others were reportedly told to stay away. He did not identify the countries or specify who had discouraged their intervention.

Mirzoyan maintained that the government’s efforts to secure the prisoners’ release have never stopped, but declined to guarantee a breakthrough because the outcome does not depend on Armenia alone. He also acknowledged that their continued detention undermines efforts to establish peace.

Nineteen Armenian prisoners remain in Azerbaijani custody, including former political and military leaders of Artsakh. They have received sentences ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment following proceedings marked by serious due-process and human rights concerns.

Their situation has become increasingly troubling since the International Committee of the Red Cross was forced to close its Azerbaijan mission in September 2025. The absence of independent humanitarian access has intensified concerns over detention conditions, prisoners’ welfare, contact with their families and access to legal representation.

The European Court of Human Rights has also required Azerbaijan to provide information concerning the prisoners, amid continuing efforts by their legal representatives to secure independent monitoring.

Despite ongoing diplomatic normalization between Yerevan and Baku, the prisoners’ fate remains unresolved. Mirzoyan’s remarks offer no indication of an imminent release and leave unanswered what further measures Armenia and its international partners intend to pursue.