Azerbaijani Social Networks Celebrate Hatred Towards Armenians with Exceptional Cynicism: Ombudsman

The Office of the Human Rights Defender (Ombudsman) has recently focused its efforts on the war unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh and Armenia on September 27. This was stated by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, during the parliamentary discussions on the 2021 budget.

According to him, their investigations have shown that these are targeted attacks against both the Armenian and Artsakh populations, as well as peaceful settlements. In the case of Artsakh, he indicated that there is an attempt to inflict as much damage as possible.

Tatoyan noted that particularly two regions of Armenia—Gegharkunik and Syunik—have come under targeted attacks, resulting in casualties and injuries. The Ombudsman stated that they are intensively collaborating with the Ombudsman’s office in Artsakh, including within the framework of a fact-finding mission.

“Behind all this, we must find the real motives, drivers, and objectives. Targeted armed attacks on peaceful settlements with prohibited weapons—initially with cluster bombs, now with weapons containing chemical elements—clearly demonstrate Azerbaijan’s aim to harm civilians and civilian infrastructure,” emphasized Tatoyan.

He remarked that anti-Armenian sentiment in Azerbaijan enjoys state support and is encouraged at a high political level. During wartime, this hatred manifests itself through the distribution of brutal videos, particularly involving Armenian prisoners of war. “In Azerbaijan, hatred begins from politicians and ends with cultural figures; it is encouraged, celebrated, and glorified, creating a cynical festivity on social networks,” highlighted the Ombudsman, adding that this is done to gain an advantage in the moral-psychological domain.

Tatoyan declared that it is evident that Azerbaijan is committing war crimes through the involvement of mercenary-terrorists brought in from Syria. The Ombudsman’s office affirmed that they will be consistent and will raise all issues in international forums.