Reports of Clashes in WhatsApp Groups: Azerbaijani Provocations

The Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict has transcended borders, manifesting itself in cities across various countries and increasingly displaying dangerous characteristics. In recent days, clashes between Armenians and Azerbaijanis have occurred most frequently in Moscow. Regarding the mechanisms behind the provocation of Azerbaijani incidents in the Russian capital and the measures to combat them, NEWS.am interviewed Nerses Nersesyan, head of the ARF Moscow Armenian Assembly.

Below is an excerpt from the interview:

In recent days, there have been several serious clashes between Armenians and Azerbaijanis in Moscow. Are you concerned that the Azerbaijani hooligans' attacks and provocations will become uncontrollable and lead to irreparable consequences?

After Azerbaijan's military aggression against Armenia, the Azerbaijani side transferred the conflict to third countries, including the Russian Federation, through provocations. Social networks have greatly facilitated the dissemination of these provocations and militaristic statements. Dozens of Azerbaijani bloggers, mainly from Baku, continue to promote violence and hatred against Armenians within Azerbaijan and among other Muslim nations.

The ban or obstacles against Armenians or vehicles with Armenian plates conducting business in Moscow's largest grocery market has created significant tension and emotional upheaval among the Armenian community in Russia. This unprecedented violation has sparked a nationwide Armenian awakening. It is against this unification that Azerbaijan is currently struggling, as our enemy fears this solidarity and will undoubtedly resort to any underhanded tactics to change the attitude toward Armenians in Russia, disrupt economic levers, and discredit Armenian public-political figures, including influential journalists and artists.

It is worth mentioning that Russia, as a multi-ethnic country, will never allow such provocations within its territory, as gross violations of the law aimed at inciting ethnic clashes can expand and threaten the very security of the Federation. We are confident that both the harsh measures of the Russian authorities and the efforts of Armenian organizations will yield results, and in a short period, Azerbaijani provocations will be prevented, and all those responsible will face just punishment.

What mechanisms do the Azerbaijanis use to provoke incidents in Moscow?

Azerbaijanis primarily utilize two mechanisms for instigating provocations. The first involves gathering at an Azerbaijani restaurant or meeting venue and then disseminating information within WhatsApp groups that Armenians are being attacked at a specific address, while they lie in wait in that area to launch their attack. Such clashes have already occurred, resulting in some Armenians rushing to help being located and ended up in police custody.

The second mechanism, which is sometimes combined with the first, is simpler. They announce in Armenian in social networks and WhatsApp groups that clashes and violence are occurring, specifying particular areas and addresses, subsequently informing law enforcement as if reporting a crime. As a result, innocent people may be arrested or come under the scrutiny of authorities, which can later become grounds for deportation. However, the most dangerous provocation is to present Armenians as aggressors and Azerbaijanis as victims, the negative effects of which will be felt later with a change in the Russian public's attitude toward Armenians. This provocation targets the safety of Armenians, which has been achieved through decades of diligent coexistence and the role of the Russian-Armenian community.

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