"Vigen Euljekjian, who went on a hunger strike in Baku prison, has been transferred to a hospital and is in the ward," Mane Tandilyan, leader of the "Country to Live" party, wrote on her Facebook page. Vigen Euljekjian declared a hunger strike at the end of April. After Ruben Vardanyan's hunger strike, Euljekjian decided to go on a hunger strike to demonstrate Azerbaijan's inhumane treatment towards them. Vigen is one of the 23 Armenian hostages held in Azerbaijan.
Lebanese-Armenian Vigen Euljekjian was abducted on November 10, 2020, the day after the ceasefire agreement was signed, while being evacuated from Shushi. On June 14, 2021, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison on illegal charges of illegally crossing the border, terrorism, and being a mercenary.
Vigen was not allowed any independent legal representation, investigation, or defense. He was illegally charged and tried on fabricated accusations of participating in a military conflict as a mercenary, terrorism, and violently or threateningly crossing the state border.
Vigen was not allowed to communicate with his family or an advisor. The charges against Vigen were politically motivated. The court ignored the defense's call for acquittal, and Vigen was sentenced to 20 years in prison. He remains in custody in Baku, presumably in Gobustan prison, which is known for its inhumane conditions and high suicide rates among prisoners.
International human rights organizations have confirmed systematic torture and cruel treatment in Baku prisons, including beatings, mock executions, humiliation, sleep deprivation, and physical violence.