Bring Armenian hostages home by Christmas – Lemkin Institute appeals to Trump

The Lemkin Institute has addressed an open letter to US President Donald Trump, urging him to secure the immediate release of Armenian hostages unlawfully held in Azerbaijan. According to the organization, around 80 Armenians—prisoners of war and civilians—remain in captivity in violation of international law. Among them is Ruben Vardanyan, a well-known humanitarian and former State Minister of Artsakh.

The hostages are subjected to humiliation, torture, and sham trials, while the International Committee of the Red Cross was forced to leave Azerbaijan, leaving them without international protection. The European Parliament has already condemned Baku’s actions, but this has brought no real consequences.

The letter emphasizes that the release of the prisoners would be both a humanitarian and geopolitical victory for the United States, demonstrating the true strength of American mediation and reaffirming Donald Trump’s promise to protect Armenian Christians. The Armenian Apostolic Church celebrates Christmas on January 6, and the Lemkin Institute’s appeal is clear: bring the hostages home to their families before then.