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The Azeri side has decided to throw dust in the eyes of the international community and show that it releases Armenian captives unharmed, Azeri studies expert Sargis Asatryan told reporters. 

77-year-old Armenian citizen Mamikon Khojoyan returned from Azeri captivity with traces of violence on his body. However, another captive, 23-year-old civilian Arsen Khojoyan was released in a much better condition.

According to the expert, the Azeri propaganda works actively – both through media and on the international arena. Asatryan noted that Azerbaijan tries to return unharmed those who must be returned in any case.

“These people should look healthy upon their return, while those who stay in captivity for a long time are tortured as inhumane torture of captives is a common practice for Baku,” Asatryan said.

Arsen Khojoyan crossed into Azerbaijan on March 7, 2014 and was released on April 10. Mamikon Khojoyan crossed the Armenian-Azerbaijani border on January 28, 2014. He was handed over to Armenia on March 4.