We Should Not Attack Peaceful Azerbaijani Protesters, It Does Not Bring Honor. Daniel Ioannisyan

Daniel Ioannisyan, founder and program coordinator of the 'Civil Society Development' NGO and member of the Public Council, wrote on his Facebook page:

“Yes, self-defense is possible and necessary. Yes, it is important to remind an armed attacker of your ancestry. But please, we should not beat up a peaceful Azerbaijani protester; that does not bring honor.

Beating a peaceful individual on ethnic grounds anywhere in the world significantly weakens our claims of being superior and distinguishes us from those who attack innocent civilians.

It is Azerbaijan that has the 'guts' to threaten the peaceful residents of border villages. It is Azerbaijani soldiers who execute the elderly in Talish and cut off ears. It is Azerbaijan that glorifies the killing of a man sleeping with an axe.

As a state and as citizens, we are above that; we are stronger than that; we are victorious.”