The torture of Armenian POWs is a gross violation of international law and the Geneva Convention. The statement came from US Congressman Adam Schiff, who recently introduced a resolution calling for the immediate release of Armenian POWs and civilians being held in Azerbaijan, VOA reported.

Evidence collected by human rights organizations shows that the Azerbaijani armed forces have used violence against Armenian POWs and civilians, Schiff said.

Two hundred POWs are still being held illegally in Azerbaijan, there is a possibility of further violence, and every second delay in the process adds to the suffering of Armenian POWs, the US lawmaker added.

The resolution put into circulation by Adam Schiff calls on the US administration to make every effort to secure the release of the captives, and to intensify the work within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group to resolve the situation.