Azerbaijani Sources on Social Media Sending Videos of War Atrocities to Armenian Users: Ombudsman

Azerbaijani sources on social media are sending videos and photos related to war atrocities to Armenian pages and private users, while simultaneously spreading hatred towards ethnic Armenians. This was stated by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, on Facebook.

“Complaints presented to the Human Rights Defender and the ongoing monitoring of them indicate that these videos and photos are sent as separate messages and are accompanied by a uniquely cynical attitude and threats. Moreover, the constant monitoring of social media confirms that Azerbaijani or Turkish accounts or pages are being opened or activated with the specific purpose of disseminating such videos and photos that display slain soldiers or even the process of murder, accompanied by brutalities,” Tatoyan noted.

“Checks show that not all materials depicting the atrocities involve servicemen of the Armed Forces of Artsakh or Armenia; however, these are presented with distorted and false information in such a way that the narrative suggests they are about the brutalities committed by members of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces against them and relates to the hostilities that began on September 27. In any case, these videos are posted in edited and processed form, which indicates they undergo professional preparation that has a systematic and organized nature.”

“A notable feature of the mentioned Azerbaijani social media pages or accounts is that they are often created to mislead Armenian pages and users, creating the impression that they are operated by Armenian sources or are Armenian pages,” the Ombudsman added.

Based on this, the Human Rights Defender’s Office has compiled video evidence that confirms all the above and will be sent to international bodies. The Ombudsman added that all scenes of atrocities and brutality must be presented without processing, just as they are sent to Armenian pages and users to allow our international partners to grasp the real situation,” stated the Human Rights Defender.