Azerbaijan has already managed to allow a number of gross violations of international humanitarian law—in particular, of the 1949 Convention on the Treatment of Prisoners of War; Taron Simonyan, an MP of the opposition Bright Armenia Party, wrote about this on his Facebook page.

"Let me recall that Armenian officer Gurgen Alaverdyan had gotten lost due to very unfavorable weather conditions. Search operations are being carried out.

Azerbaijan has already informed that the Armenian officer is under its control, has released a video recording its own violations.

I believe Azerbaijan should be reminded—already by all means—of the international legal instrument that the prisoners of war are under the control of the opposing stated, but not of individuals or the military units that have taken them captive (…) (Article 12). Prisoners of war must always be treated humanely. (…); the imposing of sanctions against them is prohibited (Article 13). Prisoners of war have the right to respect for their person and their dignity in all circumstances (Article 14).

"That reminder must be such as to cause real problems and consequences for that state which constantly violates international law," Simonyan added, in particular.