Azerbaijan's authorities declare readiness to return soldier Akop Indjigulyan to Armenia

The Azerbaijan's authorities will not prevent the return of soldier Akop Indjigulyan to Armenia. This was reported today by Shakhin Sailov, Secretary of the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons.

Shakhin Sailov stated that the fate of Akop Indjigulyan, who was detained at night of August 8 in the territory controlled by the Azerbaijani forces, will be decided at his request. According to the information of Shakhin Sailov, at present, officials investigate the reason for which Akop Indjigulyan crossed the line of contact. Shakhin Sailov states that after the cause of the soldier's action is revealed, he will be returned to his country, if he wants to return.

Meanwhile, Armenian experts believe that the Azerbaijani side has committed a breach of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War.

Military personnel should not be used for purposes of propaganda and agitation, and they should not be subjected to moral or physical pressure. This was stated by Ara Papyan, an international lawyer and the former Ambassador to Canada, the leader of the Modus Vivendi Centre.

"On the example of Akagop Indjigulyan, we see a clear violation of this obligation. The video record clearly shows physical pressure signs of beating. Besides, the right of a prisoner of war for a meeting with representatives of the Red Cross was also violated. Akop Indjigulyan was captured at night of August 8, and for 13 days, nobody visited him," Ara Papyan has emphasized.