Syrian convicts extradited in consideration of bilateral ties and Armenian community rights, says minister

Justice Minister Srbuhi Galyan provided clarification regarding the extradition of two Syrian nationals convicted in Armenia of international terrorism and mercenaryism, emphasizing that the process was carried out in accordance with legal procedures and guided by political and humanitarian considerations.

“These individuals have been transferred according to the procedure for the extradition of convicts, on the condition that they continue to serve the sentences imposed on them. The process was regulated by the relevant law and carried out on the basis of the principle of reciprocity," the minister stated during a press conference.

According to Galyan, the decision to transfer was made after assessing the objective possibilities available to Armenia.

"It was also done with the aim of improving relations with Syria and strengthening protection of the rights of the Armenian community living there," she emphasized.

Explaining why the extradition was carried out via Turkish territory, she said the route was chosen after evaluating the options, and in the context of developing regional relations. 

"Certainly, there is no obstacle to carrying out the transfer of convicts through another country," Galyan added.

The two Syrian citizens sentenced to life imprisonment were captured by Armenian forces during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh War. They confessed to having been recruited and hired as mercenaries to fight on Azerbaijan’s side against Armenians in Karabakh.