Azerbaijani Soldiers' Videos Indicate Gross Violations of Gurgen Alaverdyan's Rights: Ombudsman

Following the publication of information regarding Gurgen Alaverdyan of the Armenian Armed Forces being in Azerbaijan, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia initiated a process of investigation. This was reported by the public relations department of the Ombudsman's office.

Videos published by Azerbaijani military personnel featuring Gurgen Alaverdyan have been examined, which are available on social media platforms such as YouTube, as well as various Azerbaijani websites. The analysis of these videos reveals gross violations of the internationally recognized rights of the Armenian Armed Forces officer.

Specifically, the videos show Gurgen Alaverdyan in handcuffs, surrounded by Azerbaijani soldiers. The Armenian officer is seen wearing a winter hat that completely obscures his eyes. The video depicts Gurgen Alaverdyan surrounded by Azerbaijani military personnel who make derogatory remarks intended to insult his dignity, display mocking behavior, and continuously humiliate the officer's honor. The videos are also saturated with overtly hateful rhetoric regarding Gurgen Alaverdyan's ethnic identity as an Armenian.

The Geneva Conventions guarantee the right to respect for the honor and dignity of prisoners of war, which excludes any form of degrading treatment. Therefore, the conduct of Azerbaijani soldiers in the videos constitutes gross violations of Gurgen Alaverdyan's rights.

It is essential to note that these gross violations of rights by Azerbaijani military personnel occur after Gurgen Alaverdyan reportedly got lost and ended up on Azerbaijani territory, thereby falling under the jurisdiction and responsibility of that country.

It is also highly condemnable that these videos are widely disseminated through Azerbaijani media, specifically by Rahmanzade TV, Yeni Avaz TV, WEST NEWS TV, Beynelxalq İnfo, Hərbi TV, and other television channels.

On the same day, the Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan addressed international human rights organizations regarding the gross violations of Gurgen Alaverdyan's rights, as well as the serious breaches of international humanitarian law.

The Defender also made an official inquiry to the Ministry of Defense of Armenia, which clarified that on August 22 at around 19:30, Gurgen Alaverdyan had become disoriented and lost due to harsh weather conditions while inspecting a combat post.

The Ombudsman and his representative maintain constant contact with Gurgen Alaverdyan's family as well as relevant international organizations.