Congressional delegation demands hostage release, Artsakh return
Congress rallies for return of Artsakh refugees, release of hostages
A dozen members of Congress joined Armenian American advocates at a Capitol Hill event organized by the Armenian National Committee of America to demand Azerbaijan release Armenian hostages and allow the safe return of displaced Artsakh residents. The program, held three years after Azerbaijan's ethnic cleansing of Artsakh, culminated two days of advocacy that brought over 100 advocates from 30 states to congressional offices.
Representatives from California—including Brad Sherman, Vince Fong, Jim Costa, and Luz Rivas—emphasized the urgency of releasing 19 Armenian hostages and prisoners of war held in Baku. Congressional Armenian Caucus Co-Chair David Valadao cited an International Court of Justice order requiring Azerbaijan to permit the safe return of displaced Armenians.
Advocates pressed lawmakers to support Section 907 of the FREEDOM Support Act, Global Magnitsky sanctions, and pending legislation including the ARMENIA Security Partnership Act and the Azerbaijan Sanctions Review Act.
