Azerbaijan’s Inhuman Treatment of Armenian Prisoners of War: Second Report by Artsakh Ombudsman

The Office of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Artsakh has prepared a second confidential report detailing cases of inhumane treatment of Armenian prisoners of war and corpses by the Azerbaijani armed forces, which has been sent to various international organizations. This has been reported by the Artsakh Ombudsman’s office.

The second report includes facts documented by the human rights defenders of Artsakh and Armenia from October 16 to 25 regarding various types of violations perpetrated by Azerbaijani armed forces against Armenian prisoners of war and corpses. The analysis of these facts shows that a widespread and encouraged behavior in the Azerbaijani armed forces is the inhumane treatment of the bodies of Armenian servicemen and prisoners of war, along with the public display of such behaviors. This behavior is largely derived from the state-level policy of anti-Armenian sentiment that has been practiced in Azerbaijan for many years.

Considering that evidence corroborating such incidents is more than sufficient—including parts that have also been published by reputable international media and organizations—as well as the ongoing and systematic nature of these gross violations, the Ombudsman emphasizes the international community's obligation to respond adequately to such incidents and to use its practical tools to prevent further possible crimes.