Moscow to discuss issue of Dilgam Asgarov’s captivity
By Sara Rajabova
Moscow will discuss with Yerevan issue of holding hostage of Dilgam Asgarov, who is a Russian citizen.
“He was taken hostage by the Armenian side and we will discuss this issue with Armenia,” Sergei Lavrov, Russian Foreign Minister said during a traditional press conference on January 21.
Dilgam Asgarov, is one of two Azerbaijani hostages, who were captured by Armenians in the occupied Kalbajar region.
Lavrov said many Russian citizens have been detained in various countries. “We are constantly interested in their fate taking into account the necessity of getting information.”
“Relevant decisions are made based on assessing the severity of the accusations against our fellow citizens, understanding the conditions under which they are kept and which plans does the country where these citizens were detained have with respect to them,” said Lavrov.
Lavrov further added that the decision is made through the channels which exist for that – the channels of Russia’s bilateral relations with the relevant countries.
Armenian special forces killed Azerbaijani citizen Hasan Hasanov and took hostage Shahbaz Guliyev and Dilgam Asgarov in the Shaplar village of the occupied Kelbajar region on July 11. The civilians were visiting the graves of their relatives.
Following the so-called “judicial process" Dilgam Asgarov was sentenced to life imprisonment, and Shahbaz Guliyev - to 22 years in prison.
Despite repeated calls by the international organizations and foreign countries on Armenia to return the captives back to their country, nothing has been made in this regard so far.
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Sara Rajabova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on
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