Viken Euljekchian, a Lebanese national of Armenian origin, is facing terrorism-related charges in Azerbaijan for allegedly participating in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. He was captured by Azeris as a war prisoner after the ceasefire.
Elijekchian along with Maral Najarian, who has since returned to Beirut, first went missing on November 10th, 2020, the day the ceasefire was signed. Now, Azerbaijan is accusing him of mercenary activity, alleging that he voluntarily took part in the conflict for a sum of money.
According to Azerbaijan’s investigation, Elucekhian was offered $2,500 by Lebanese-Armenian Ovak Kikiyan to fight in the war.
Eluchekhian is facing charges for fighting as a mercenary, illegally crossing Azerbaijan’s border, and engaging in terrorist activities, Azeri news reported.
The investigation reportedly found that Eulcekjian and others who had partaken in “terrorist activities against Azerbaijani citizens” for material compensation were part of an organized group.
“By a court decision, a measure of restraint was chosen in the form of arrest. On May 5, 2021, the indictment in the criminal case was confirmed and sent to court for consideration,” read a joint statement by Azerbaijani Prosecutor’s General Office and the State Security Service.
