More than a dozen members of the US Congress have demanded that Azerbaijan release Armenian hostages illegally held in Baku.

ArmInfo. More than a dozen members of the US Congress demanded that Azerbaijan release the Armenian hostages illegally held in Baku and allow the indigenous people of Artsakh to safely return to their homeland. Members of Congress joined clergy and international legal experts at the event "Accountability 202: Artsakh. Justice. Freedom." "Right of Return," organized by the Armenian National Committee of America.

The event, held at the Capitol, marked the third anniversary of the genocide committed by Azerbaijan in Artsakh and concluded a two-day information campaign organized by the Eastern Armenian National Committee, the Western Armenian National Committee, and the Washington headquarters, which brought together more than 100 representatives from more than 30 states in the House of Representatives and the Senate. During two days of congressional hearings, representatives demanded the implementation of Section 907 of the Freedom Support Act, sanctions against Azerbaijani war criminals, the right of return for displaced persons from Artsakh, and the protection of sacred sites of Armenian Christian heritage.

Vice Chairman of the Congressional Armenian Caucus Brad Sherman detailed the sentencing of 16 Armenian defendants in an Azerbaijani military court, declaring, "The war is over. It's time to release the prisoners of war."

Congressman Vince Fong mentioned the 19 Armenian hostages, including the leaders of Artsakh. "We must demand the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian hostages and prisoners of war, whose unlawful imprisonment and mistreatment remain an obstacle to lasting peace," he said.

Congressman Jim Costa linked the hostage issue to the terms of any agreement. "It is impossible to establish lasting peace without justice, accountability, and respect for fundamental human rights," Costa said, calling for the release of all hostages, the protection of Armenian cultural and religious heritage, and the safe return of displaced persons.

It should be noted that the exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Azerbaijani prisons remains unknown. Experts estimate the number to be several hundred. Azerbaijani authorities currently confirm the presence of 19 Armenians in their custody. Among those held in Azerbaijani captivity are eight former and current members of the military-political leadership of Artsakh. These include former Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan; former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan; as well as Parliament Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan; former Commander of the Artsakh Defense Army General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David Manukyan; and former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan.

In February, the Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, David Babayan, David Ishkhanyan, David Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to life imprisonment on trumped-up charges, and Bako Sahakyan, Arkady Ghukasyan, and Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison. The so-called court sentenced the remaining Artsakh residents to up to 15 years in prison.