His Holiness Karekin II, Catholicos of All Armenians, has welcomed the return to Armenia of four Armenian hostages who had been illegally held in Baku on fabricated charges.
In a statement issued by the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, the Catholicos said the news brought “consolation and spiritual joy,” stressing that the detainees were unlawfully imprisoned amid the ongoing consequences of Azerbaijan’s actions against Artsakh.
He expressed hope that, with God’s blessing and the united support of the Armenian people, the freed hostages will be able to restore a peaceful and normal life together with their families and loved ones.
Catholicos Karekin II also offered prayers for the immediate and safe return of all Armenian hostages still held in Azerbaijan, many of whom were taken from Artsakh during and after the 2020 war and subsequent military operations.
“May God keep the entire world, our homeland, and our people under the grace of peace,” the statement concluded.
The continued detention of Armenians from Artsakh remains a major humanitarian concern. Armenia and international human rights organizations have repeatedly stated that those held in Baku are hostages or prisoners of war, despite Azerbaijan’s claims of criminal charges.
