Armenian Catholicos applies to Russia’s Patriarch Kirill to mediate in release of Armenian captive in Azerbaijan

His Holiness Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II applied to Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Kirill with the request to mediate in release of Armenian citizen Karen Ghazaryan who appeared in Azerbaijani territory and sentenced to 20 years in prison.

“Karen Ghazaryan, resident of Berdavan community of Armenia’s Tavush region has been sentenced to 20 years in prison in Azerbaijan. He appeared in Azerbaijani territory in unknown conditions. He has mental health issues. The verdict was made with obvious violations of human rights. We apply to You with this issue, with a request to mediate the Azerbaijani spiritual and political leadership for the young man to return to his family,” Karekin II.

The Armenian Catholicos is in Moscow and met with Russian Patriarch Kirill.

Karen Ghazaryan appeared in the territory of Azerbaijan in July 2018 and was presented as a saboteur. Armenian police public relations department head Ashot Aharonyan stated that Ghazaryan is a civilian and has health issues and has no relation with the military service.

“Karen Ghazaryan is the resident of bordering Berdavan community in Armenia’s Tavush region. He has no relation to military service. He has health issues and has been registered in corresponding medical establishment since 2013. The circumstances on how he appeared in Azerbaijan are being clarified,” Aharonyan said.

Armenian Defense Ministry also stated that resident of Berdavan born in 1984 Katen Ghazaryan is not serving and has never served in the Armenian Armed Forces.