Free Armenian leaders and POWs

Azerbaijan is breaking international law by holding 8 former leaders of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) as well as 50+ Armenian POWs.Learn about the ongoing POW crisis, then take action to help bring the POWs back home

Protestor in Geneva -- Wikimedia Commons

Learn

CNN's interview with Moderna co-founder Noubar Afeyan about Azerbaijan's illegal imprisonment of former leaders of Artsakh (1 Nov. 2023)


Global Action—Worldwide Protests to Free Armenian POWs


“At the present time, [civilian Vagif Khachatryan, aged 68] is on trial in Azerbaijan’s infamous judicial system, where violations of the fundamental guarantee of due process have become alarmingly common. In fact, according to one observer, Mr. Khachatryan’s statements are intentionally being mistranslated for Azerbaijani and Turkish audiences. Additionally, photos of Mr. Khachatryan have raised concerns about his potential mistreatment and deteriorating health.”

From the Lemkin Institute's “Statement on the Ongoing Imprisonment of Armenian Officials of the Republic of Artsakh by the Republic of Azerbaijan”


“Azerbaijani authorities should investigate all allegations of ill-treatment and hold those responsible to account. Azerbaijan should also immediately release all remaining POWs and civilian detainees and provide information on the whereabouts of servicemen and civilians whose situation is unknown but were last seen in Azerbaijani custody.”

From Human Rights Watch's “Azerbaijan: Armenian POWs Abused in Custody”


“There were electric shock devices and clubs in the room, and they said that they would beat me to death if I did not say what they wanted,” he said.

From Christina Maza's “‘They Chained Me to a Radiator and Beat Me’: Armenian POWs Speak Out” for VICE News


“We have factual confirmation of 21 deaths of prisoners and civilians in the territories that came under the control of Azerbaijan. In all cases, traces of torture and mutilation were recorded, including after death.”

From Sona Martirosyan's “Everything known about Armenian PoWs in Azerbaijan” for JAM News


Protestors in Geneva -- Wikimedia Commons

“The reconstruction of Armenia requires the return to its soil of all survivors of the war; it is now an absolute humanitarian emergency.”

From a letter sent by 120+ European Parliament members (MEPs) to the Presidents of the European Commission and the European Council


“We have appealed to the European Court of Human Rights over the facts of torture and killing of POWs and detained persons,” Zeynalyan said.

From Ani Avetisyan's “Nineteen Armenians ‘killed in Azerbaijani captivity’” for OC Media


“A civilian captive [redacted], who was returned on 10th of December, confessed that he was drugged, severely beaten and also subjected to mental torture, as he was told that his son is killed and the dogs were fed with his dead body.”

From the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia's “Ad Hoc Public Report on the Treatment of Armenian Prisoners of War and Civilian Captives in Azerbaijan”


Armenians around the world
thank you for helping bring Armenian POWs home

Take Action

Call to get the US to act now:

Calling your elected officials is the best way to make your voice heard. You can contact your Congressional Representatives through the US Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121: provide your zip code and you'll be put in touch with your representatives's offices—now is the time to let them know that this issue matters to you, so ask that the representative: 1) support legislation that calls on Azerbaijan to immediately release all prisoners of war, arrested leaders, and captured civilians, and 2) enforce Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act to stop military aid to Azerbaijan.


Email or use social media to get the US to act now:

Emailing and contacting your elected officials on social media can have an impact. For these purposes, you can use the ANCA's March to Justice tool or the Armenian Assembly’s Advocacy page. With one click, you can share your views with key decision-makers on one or more issues. You can also share these resources to urge friends and family to take action as well via email or social media.


Protestors in Geneva -- Wikimedia Commons

Armenians around the world
thank you for helping bring Armenian POWs home

About Us

Zoravik logo

This carrd was made by the Zoravik Activist Collective.We wanted a quick way to share information at protests organized by activists around the world as part of a global network demanding the unconditional and immediate release of all Armenian POWs.


Armenians around the world thank you for helping bring Armenian leaders and POWs home