Vagif Khachatryan remains hospitalized after return from Azeri captivity, awaits heart surgery

Vagif Khachatryan, a 70-year-old Artsakh Armenian who was released from Azerbaijani captivity on 14 January, remains under medical care and is awaiting heart surgery, his family has said.

Speaking to Panorama.am on Wednesday, Khachatryan’s daughter, Vera, said that he is in stable condition both physically and psychologically. She said the date of his surgery has not yet been determined, adding family members are visiting him regularly.

Khachatryan was one of four prisoners handed over to Armenian authorities by Azerbaijan at the Hakari Bridge. The others included Gevorg Sujyan, Davit Davtyan and Vicken Euljekjian.

Khachatryan had been sentenced by a Baku court to 15 years in prison on charges of genocide and forced displacement, which he has consistently denied. Azerbaijan accused him of involvement in events in the village of Meshali in December 1991, which allegedly affected 59 people.

Khachatryan was detained in the Lachin Corridor while travelling to Armenia for treatment under the escort of the International Committee of the Red Cross in July 2023.

Throughout his trial, Khachatryan rejected all charges, citing his serious health condition and repeatedly requesting release in order to undergo surgery.