Day 40: Armenian POW's Family Still Waiting for Proof He's Alive

Forty days have passed since Armenian prisoner of war Ludwig Mkrtchyan last spoke with his wife, and his family still has no information about his whereabouts, his health or whether he has received medical care.

The prolonged silence comes despite an urgent humanitarian appeal submitted by his attorney, Luciana Minassian, to Azerbaijan's Commissioner for Human Rights, Sabina Aliyeva, requesting immediate intervention.

Minassian told The Armenian Report on Wednesday that she has not received any response from the commissioner's office.

In the letter, the attorney asked Azerbaijani authorities to arrange an immediate supervised phone call between Mkrtchyan and his wife, Hranush Shahbazyan, and to ensure the 56-year-old receives the medical examination and treatment his condition requires without further delay.

The appeal cites what Minassian describes as a serious decline in Mkrtchyan's health. According to the letter, recent medical findings show his white blood cell count has risen to 14.27, nearly twice the normal range, indicating significant inflammation. The attorney also points to several heart-related conditions, including left ventricular hypertrophy, diastolic dysfunction and aortic insufficiency. She says Mkrtchyan has experienced fainting spells, persistent headaches, dizziness and chest pain.

Shahbazyan last heard her husband's voice on June 19. During that conversation, Mkrtchyan told her he had collapsed after suffering severe weakness and had been taken for a cardiac examination. According to Minassian, the family has received no diagnosis or official explanation about his condition since that day.

Minassian said her request is based solely on humanitarian grounds. She argues that allowing a single supervised phone call would be a basic act of human dignity, giving Mkrtchyan's family the opportunity to confirm that he is alive while ensuring he receives appropriate medical care.

Mkrtchyan has been held in a prison in Baku for nearly six years.

His case comes amid broader concerns over Armenians imprisoned in Azerbaijan. According to official figures, 19 Armenian prisoners remain in Azerbaijani custody, including the former political and military leaders of Artsakh, many of whom have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 15 to 20 years or life imprisonment.

International human rights organizations, attorneys representing the detainees and Armenian officials have repeatedly called for greater transparency regarding the prisoners' health and detention conditions. They have also urged Azerbaijan to guarantee access to legal counsel, communication with family members and medical care in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law.

The Armenian Report will continue following Mkrtchyan's case and reporting on every new development until his family receives information about his condition.

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