Armenian soldier Andranik Grigoryan who had crossed the Line of Contact on 22 March 2015 was returned today in an operation carried out under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The hand-over took place at the Line of Contact near the village of Bash Garvand in Aghdam.
During his captivity, the ICRC regularly visited him to assess the conditions in which he was held, the treatment he received and to facilitate contact with his family.
Acting as a neutral intermediary and in accordance with its mandate, the ICRC facilitated the return following the decision of the Azerbaijan authorities and with the full cooperation of all sides. Andranik Grigoryan had previously confirmed to ICRC staff that he was returning of his own free will.
Grigoryan had crossed the line of contact on March 22, 2015.