Vicken Euljekjian, a civilian hostage taken by Azerbaijani forces in 2020, is in critical condition and being held under life-threatening circumstances. During a brief call to his family on November 16, his first contact in more than 45 days, he reported that he can no longer walk, has been denied a wheelchair, and is receiving no medical treatment whatsoever, his lawyer confirmed.
According to attorney Luciana Minassian, guards blocked Euljekjian from receiving medication even after he was taken to a doctor. He has been left without any form of care despite severe deterioration in his physical state.
Euljekjian also stated that he is being given only tea and bread, with no proper food or nutrition. His lawyer described this as deliberate starvation and inhuman, degrading treatment.
Minassian warned that the denial of medical assistance, refusal to provide a wheelchair, obstruction of medication, and systematic food deprivation constitute a direct and immediate threat to Euljekjian’s life. She demanded urgent action, including an independent medical examination, humanitarian access, essential medication, adequate nutrition, and a wheelchair without delay.
Euljekjian and another civilian hostage, Maral Najarian, were seized by Azerbaijani Special Forces on November 10, 2020, while retrieving their belongings to evacuate from Shushi, Artsakh, after its occupation by Azerbaijan. Najarian was released months later, but Euljekjian remains held and was later sentenced to 20 years on fabricated charges.
