Commenting on reports that the release of Armenian prisoners was discussed during recent talks in the U.S., Siranush Sahakyan, president of the Center for International and Comparative Law, said there has been no public statement confirming the matter was on the agenda. Moreover, the signed document contains no clause relating to prisoner return, Sputnik Armenia reports.
“The document addresses several issues, one of which is humanitarian — clarifying the fate of missing and forcibly disappeared persons. It also notes the parties’ intention to abandon ongoing trials and legal proceedings, and to address hate speech and discrimination. But no provision, explicit or implicit, concerns the release of prisoners. In other words, the parties have made no political or legal commitments regarding the return of prisoners,” Sahakyan said.
She did not rule out that the topic may have been discussed behind closed doors. In her view, Trump’s statements suggest that prisoner release is being considered as a possible concession within the peace agreement framework. She noted that from the outset, prisoners have been held as hostages to exert additional pressure on the Armenian authorities to sign a document on terms acceptable to Azerbaijan.
“There is progress toward signing the document, and thus positive movement in the release process. Trump is showing personal engagement, or at least willingness to do so. Given his influence and position in the region, we consider it realistic that these individuals could be freed with his involvement. Of course, it will be presented publicly as a humanitarian gesture by Aliyev in honor of friendly relations with Trump. It is no coincidence Trump emphasizes that they are Christians, as he has a distinct record of advocating for the release of Christians unlawfully detained around the world,” Sahakyan explained.
As for the figure of 23, Sahakyan said various names and theories have circulated, but clarified that it refers to 23 Armenians officially confirmed by Azerbaijan to be unlawfully held in Baku.
“This group includes eight members of Artsakh’s former and current leadership, as well as civilians and prisoners of war captured during or after the 2020 war. Specifically, eight were taken captive during the September 2023 aggression,” she added.
She noted that there is also a much larger list of missing persons, which likewise includes 23 individuals who disappeared during the September 2023 attack and subsequent explosion.
“This overlap of numbers artificially merged two separate lists, creating the false impression that the 23 individuals mentioned by Trump are not the same as the confirmed prisoners,” Sahakyan concluded.
Since January 17, Azerbaijan has been conducting the “trial” of former military-political leaders of Artsakh. The accused include former presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan, former Defense Army commander Levon Mnatsakanyan, former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, among others. The case of former State Minister and philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan is being heard separately.
