YEREVAN. – Azerbaijani authorities have been recently making attempts to deny links with the neutralized diversionary team, Armenian Defense Ministry said in a statement.

At the same time attempts are being made to grant a status of POWs for the saboteurs.

“It is impossible in this case, as International humanitarian law, and Article 4 of the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War in particular, clearly defines persons who can be granted a POW status,” the statement reads.

The statement notes there is clear evidence that we are dealing with a criminal group hired and used for diversion purposes by the Azerbaijani authorities.

“The members of  diversionary team had no badges of rank. They grossly violated laws and traditions of war established by international law, violently and inhumanly attacking civilians,” the statement reads.

The Defense Ministry said criminal code envisages clear punishment in case of criminal acts: illegal crossing the border, murder and a murder attempt. Therefore, they will be prosecuted under the general procedure set by the criminal law and human rights principles.

If necessary, irrefutable evidence can be presented to the concerned international organizations.