Former Armenian POW Says He Survived Years of Torture in Azerbaijani Captivity Only to Return Home to Loss and Hardship

EXCLUSIVE: The Armenian Report had an exclusive interview with former Armenian hostage and prisoner of war Lebanese-Armenian Vicken Euljekjian, who returned to Armenia on January 14, 2026, after spending more than five years in Azerbaijani captivity. He returned together with three other Armenian captives — Gevorg Sujyan, Davit Davtyan, and Vagif Khachatryan — as part of a release process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

During the interview, Euljekjian spoke about the emotional moment of returning home, the health problems he says developed during captivity, the struggles he now faces in Armenia, and the losses his family suffered while he was imprisoned.

When asked about his first emotions after finally stepping onto Armenian soil, Euljekjian said he felt overwhelming happiness after being away from his homeland for “five years, two months, and four days.”

He also described the emotional reunion with his wife Linda, who had spent years trying to help secure his release. According to Euljekjian, the reunion carried many emotions because his wife also suffered during those years while fighting for him to return home.

He said he was also finally able to see his child. Two months after his return, his son came from Lebanon to see him, but he still has not been reunited with his daughter in person and can only speak with her through video calls.

Speaking about his health, Euljekjian said he had no medical problems before being taken captive. According to him, examinations conducted after his capture also showed no issues. However, he said that during the five years in Azerbaijani captivity he developed serious health problems because of what he described as suffering, torture, and abuse.

He said he now suffers from problems related to his spine, leg, neck, and heart. According to Euljekjian, all of these conditions developed during captivity and have been documented with evidence.

Despite returning to Armenia four months ago, he said no concrete medical assistance has yet been provided. Euljekjian explained that he has repeatedly been directed from one medical center or clinic to another but still has not received clear answers or treatment.

When asked whether he receives support from the Armenian government, Euljekjian said he has received none. According to him, his lawyer has repeatedly contacted the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Prime Minister’s office, and the Mayor’s office several times a week over the past four months, but no responses have been provided.

He added that he has personally submitted applications for assistance while several organizations have also applied on his behalf because he did not know where to turn for help. He said that so far none of those efforts have received a response.

Euljekjian also spoke about ruling party lawmaker Hayk Sargsyan, who was seen with him shortly after his return to Armenia. He thanked Sargsyan, saying the MP was the first person who welcomed his wife, helped reunite them, and remained with them during the early days after his release.

According to Euljekjian, he has spoken with Sargsyan several times by phone. He said the MP raised his issues during internal discussions, including his health condition and housing situation, but claimed that no action followed.

Euljekjian further alleged problems with officials from the Ministry of Social Affairs. He claimed that after ministry employees visited and documented his situation, one employee later falsely reported that he had refused assistance. According to Euljekjian and his lawyer Luciana Minassian that never happened.

He said he later sent an appeal to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and to the Ministry of Social Affairs asking that the employee publicly repeat the accusation if such a statement had truly been made.

Euljekjian also described difficulties receiving medical examinations. He said that when he goes to clinics he is often left waiting for hours without receiving answers about when examinations can proceed.

According to him, he currently requires medications costing around $350 every month, but despite repeatedly informing officials about his situation, he says he is continually told to wait for a response that never comes.

A fundraiser has now been launched at the initiative of his lawyer Luciana Minassian and Yon Nersessian to help cover Euljekjian’s medical treatment and housing costs.

Euljekjian said he currently does not have an apartment and survives by staying with friends from day to day. He mentioned several friends who have been helping him by providing temporary shelter, saying he often spends each night at a different home.

According to him, the fundraiser is intended to help pay for medication, treatment, and housing so he can continue living in Armenia.

The former hostage also reflected on Artsakh and his future. When asked how he felt after realizing he could no longer return there, Euljekjian rejected the idea that Artsakh no longer exists.

“We say Artsakh exists and that we will go there. We have not completely lost hope in Artsakh,” he said.

Euljekjian also spoke about the devastating losses his family suffered during his captivity.

He explained that before being taken captive he had been living in Armenia since 2016, operating a barbecue business at the Malatia market while also working as a taxi driver. He said he cared for his elderly and ill parents before his capture.

According to Euljekjian, within two years of his captivity both of his parents died one after another. He said the family received no support either from the Lebanese government or Armenian authorities.

He added that his older brother also died during those years, while his brother’s wife later passed away as well. According to Euljekjian, his wife Linda then became responsible for caring for his brother’s four children.

He also said his daughter was unable to continue her education because the family lacked financial support.

Despite everything he experienced, Euljekjian said he would still choose the same path again and would still go to Artsakh if given the choice. He stated that he now hopes to recover, continue living in Armenia, and work in his homeland.

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