Four Armenian prisoners returned from Azerbaijan, 19 still detained

(Horizon Weekly) – Four Armenian hostages previously held in Azerbaijani custody have been returned to Armenia, authorities confirmed on Wednesday. Gevorg Sujyan, Davit Davtyan, Vigen Euljekjian, and Vagif Khachatryan were transferred to Armenian officials at the Hakari Bridge and are now in Armenian territory, traveling to Yerevan.

Initial medical assessments indicate that Sujyan, Davtyan, and Euljekjian are in good health. The condition of 70-year-old Vagif Khachatryan is reported as stable. He had been moved from an Azerbaijani prison to intensive care late last month after suffering severe heart complications.

Armenia’s National Security Service described the handover as a practical outcome of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process.

Sujyan and Davtyan were captured on November 11, 2020, after the ceasefire took effect, while traveling toward Shushi. Azerbaijani authorities charged them with multiple offenses, including illegal possession of weapons and espionage. Lebanese-Armenian Vigen Euljekjian was detained a day earlier, on November 10, 2020, also while en route to Shushi, and was labeled a “terrorist” by Baku.

Vagif Khachatryan was abducted in July 2023 at the Hakari checkpoint while traveling to Yerevan under Red Cross escort for urgent heart surgery. Azerbaijan subsequently accused him of involvement in alleged crimes in the village of Meshali, accusations he has denied.

All four men have rejected the charges brought against them. According to official figures, 19 Armenian prisoners remain in Azerbaijani custody.