Melikset Pashayan (b. 1971), who — together with the military-political leadership of Artsakh — has been accused by Azerbaijan of terrorism, genocide, and a number of war crimes, was captured in September 2023 following Azerbaijan’s military assault. He is originally from the village of Sznek in the Askeran region.
After Azerbaijani armed forces entered the village of Sznek, residents fled their homes as best they could. A few elderly inhabitants remained behind, including Melikset’s disabled brother, Mavrik. In an effort to ensure the safe evacuation of the helpless residents from the village, Melikset attempted to find assistance but was later captured by Azerbaijani forces.
“If Melikset had been alone, he could have escaped, but there were elderly people with him,” a relative said.
At the time, Melikset’s disabled brother, Mavrik, was also captured. After being shot and subjected to approximately a week of torture, he was handed over to relatives days later through the mediation of the Red Cross (original source in the comments).
In February 2026, an Azerbaijani military court announced verdicts against several defendants, including Pashayan, who was sentenced to 19 years in prison on fabricated charges.
We continue to demand the immediate release of all Armenian hostages.
