Capitol Hill Briefing to Address Armenian Prisoners Crisis

A Capitol Hill staff briefing scheduled for September 17, 2025, Washington, D.C., will examine U.S. policy options for securing the release of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, as international concern grows over 23 Armenian hostages detained in Azerbaijan, including former officials of Nagorno-Karabakh and POWs from the 2020 war.

The briefing at the Rayburn House Office Building will explore U.S. policy and legal avenues to hold Azerbaijan accountable and secure the release of Armenian hostages.

Four prominent speakers will address congressional staff:

Siranush Sahakyan, Director of International and Comparative Law Center Armenia

Jared Genser, Managing Director of Perseus Strategies

Karnig Kerkonian, Partner at Kerkonian Dajani LLP

Ken Hachikian, Chairman of the Armenian Legal Center

The briefing comes to once again bring attention to Azerbaijan's treatment of Armenian prisoners. 

The briefing is organized by The Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) and Armenian Legal Center. 

Additional note:

The European Parliament passed a resolution in March 2025 condemning the "unlawful detention and sham trials of Armenian hostages" and calling for their immediate release. 

Additional concerns have emerged after Azerbaijan intensified its crackdown on civil society, demanding that the ICRC cease operations within the country, cutting off a critical communication channel for the detained prisoners.

"These prisoners have been illegally held in pretrial detention with fabricated accusations, without access to legitimate legal representation. They have little to no contact with family members," mentions the Center for Truth and Justice.