On February 28, the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the alleged torture of Armenian prisoners of war held in Baku, emphasizing gross violations of international law and human rights.

The ministry called attention to the ongoing detention of Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and other detainees in Azerbaijan, stressing the need for international engagement. The statement highlighted reports of staged trials and mistreatment, citing disturbing videos, photographs, and testimonies from lawyers representing the detainees, including Ruben Vardanyan, who had gone on a hunger strike.

In response, Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry spokesperson Aykhan Hajizada rejected the accusations, calling them baseless. He defended Azerbaijan’s legal actions, stating that detainees—including former separatist leaders—had been charged or convicted of serious crimes such as war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and military aggression. He emphasized that Azerbaijan was acting within international law and had allowed organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross to visit the detainees.

Hajizada also highlighted Azerbaijan’s past humanitarian gestures, including the repatriation of over 200 Armenian prisoners following the 2020 war. He accused Armenia of ignoring its own obligations regarding Azerbaijani prisoners and missing persons, concluding that Armenia’s stance was obstructing regional peace efforts.