Azerbaijan Captures Elderly Armenian Man, Further Deepening POW Crisis

Azerbaijan has announced the capture of an elderly Armenian man named Madat Babayan in the Karvachar (Kelbajar) region of the Republic of Artsakh. The detention, based on suspicion of "committing terrorist acts with the intention of national enmity" and involvement in "illegal armed detachments," has escalated tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijan State Security Service (SSS) also charged Babayan with participation in the so-called “genocide that occurred on February 26, 1992, in Khojaly”. The specifics of Babayan's arrest, however, have not been disclosed by Azerbiajn, leaving the exact circumstances and timing of his capture unclear.

The capture of yet another Armenian has raised concerns, especially given the historical context of the alleged charges.

The capture of Madat Babayan adds another layer of complexity to the longstanding tensions between the two nations.

Additionally, this recent incident has heightened concerns about the plight of Armenian prisoners of war (POWs) who are being held illegally in Baku. The international community has been urging Azerbaijan to comply with international human rights standards and promptly release the detained individuals. The unlawful detention of Armenian POWs has been a contentious issue, drawing criticism from various international organizations and human rights advocates, who continue to call for their immediate and safe return home. The arrest of Madat Babayan, coupled with the ongoing detention of Armenian POWs, underscores the urgency for Azerbaijan to cooperate to resolve these issues and pave the way for lasting peace in the region.