ECHR seeks information about two Armenian soldiers in Azerbaijan

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has ordered Azerbaijan to provide information about the whereabouts of two Armenian servicemen who were captured by Azeri forces on Friday.

Armenia’s Defense Ministry said that the soldiers, Harutyun Hovagimyan and Karen Ghazaryan, were ambushed and “kidnapped” after delivering provisions to an Armenian army outpost. Azerbaijan reported their capture and falsely accused them of carrying out a “subversive attack”.

Granting Armenia’s request, the ECHR has given Baku until 6 June to say whether the two servicemen are being held in Azerbaijani custody as captives or with any other status. If so, the European Court has also sought information about their detention and health conditions, the Office of Armenia’s Representative on International Legal Matters said in a statement on Wednesday.

Earlier on May 28, Armenia requested the ECHR to indicate an interim measure against Azerbaijan to protect the soldiers’ rights.