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The torture of Armenian prisoners of war (POWs) being held in Azerbaijan is a gross violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions, US Congressman Adam Schiff said on Thursday, according to VOA's Armenian service.

Last week he introduced a bipartisan resolution calling for the immediate release of the Armenian servicemen and civilians detained by Azerbaijani forces months after the end of the Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) conflict.

Human rights organizations have documented that Azerbaijani forces have used violence against Armenian prisoners of war and civilians, with an estimated 200 still being unlawfully held in Azerbaijan and there is a risk of further abuse, Schiff said.

“The torture inflicted on Armenian POWs is a gross violation of international law and the Geneva Conventions, and all those responsible must be held accountable,” the congressman stressed.

Every moment of delay in the process increases the suffering of Armenian prisoners at the hands of Azerbaijani forces, he added.

The resolution introduced by Adam Schiff also calls on the U.S. State Department to reinvigorate the OSCE Minsk Group process and reengage Azerbaijani authorities to make clear the importance of adhering to the November 9 statement that ended the war.