Azerbaijan releases four Armenian prisoners

Azerbaijan has released and transferred to Armenia four Armenian nationals who had been held in custody by the Azerbaijani side. The information was confirmed by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who stated that the transferred individuals were transported to Yerevan after the completion of all required procedures. According to him, preliminary medical examinations showed no serious health problems, and their condition was assessed as satisfactory.

The transfer was carried out through contacts between the relevant competent authorities of the two countries and was presented as a humanitarian step. The four individuals had been held by Azerbaijan for varying periods under different legal circumstances. Following the handover, they were taken to Armenia, where they are expected to receive medical assistance, social support, and the opportunity to communicate with their families and legal representatives.

Official statements stress that the release did not take place in the context of active hostilities and was not framed as a classical exchange of prisoners of war. Azerbaijani sources have described the move as a humanitarian act implemented amid ongoing contacts between Baku and Yerevan. The Armenian side, in turn, views the transfer as an important signal within the broader dialogue process and efforts aimed at reducing tensions.

The issue of prisoners and detained persons has remained one of the most sensitive aspects of Armenian-Azerbaijani relations in recent years. Following periods of escalation and armed confrontation, the fate of Armenians held in Azerbaijan has repeatedly been raised during bilateral discussions and in talks involving international intermediaries. Armenian officials have consistently emphasized the need for the return of all Armenian citizens, regardless of the legal classification of their cases, pointing to the humanitarian nature of the problem.

Azerbaijan, for its part, has repeatedly underlined the distinction between prisoners of war and individuals convicted of specific criminal offenses, arguing that the latter are not subject to automatic release mechanisms. At the same time, Baku has periodically signaled readiness for humanitarian steps, provided that appropriate conditions are in place and agreements are reached through institutional channels.

Observers note that the release of the four Armenian prisoners may be seen as part of a broader political and diplomatic dynamic in the South Caucasus. Against the backdrop of ongoing discussions on peace arrangements, regional communications, and normalization of relations, such actions are often interpreted as cautious confidence-building measures, particularly on the humanitarian track, which remains one of the most emotionally charged and complex areas of interaction.

Armenian authorities have reiterated that efforts to secure the return of all detained Armenian nationals will continue until the fate of each individual is clarified. Officials in Yerevan have repeatedly stated that humanitarian issues should not be used as instruments of political bargaining and must be addressed separately and with priority.

The transfer of the four Armenian nationals has become one of the few concrete steps confirmed by official sources on both sides in recent months. Amid persistent tensions and a limited level of mutual trust, such developments attract close attention both domestically and internationally, as observers closely monitor any changes that could influence the broader situation in the region.

Sources:

panorama.am

armenpress.am

azernews.az

news.am