U.S. lawmakers join ANCA in demanding release of Armenian hostages on 1,000th day of detention

U.S. Congress members joined forces with the Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) on Capitol Hill press conference organized by Rep. Sherman and the ANCA to mark a grim milestone, which is 1,000 days since Azerbaijan began detaining Armenian prisoners of war, Artsakh officials, and civilians, calling for their immediate and unconditional release.

Congressional Armenian Caucus Vice-Chair Rep. Brad Sherman (D-CA) organized a press conference alongside Reps. Judy Chu, Laura Friedman, and Jim Costa, all of California, to amplify the demand. The event comes as the House prepares to vote on a package of measures aimed at holding Baku accountable for ongoing violations of Armenian sovereignty and international law.

Leo Sarkisian and Maral Melkonian Avetisian, ANCA summer interns, also attended, wearing shirts bearing the names and faces of the Artsakh leaders still held in Azerbaijani custody. They advocated across both Senate and House offices, urging lawmakers to back pro-Armenian amendments and legislation.

Members from both chambers took to social media to mark the date and demand actions.