Artsakh Human Rights Defender Condemns Inhumane Treatment of Persons Missing Due to Force

The Office of the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Artsakh has received reports that on November 11, 10 citizens of Artsakh and Armenia went missing in the Shushi section of the Goris-Shushi highway. Following this, a video was published on Azerbaijani social networks, indicating their presence in Azerbaijani custody.

As a result of the fact-finding efforts by the Defender’s office, the identities of all forcibly disappeared civilians have been established, and their information has been sent to the International Committee of the Red Cross and relevant state authorities.

The Human Rights Defender strongly condemns the fact of these individuals' forced disappearances, as well as the inhumane treatment evidenced in the published video. The Azerbaijani side continues to exhibit treatment towards Armenian prisoners of war and civilians that is prohibited by international humanitarian law, which must be duly condemned and prevented by the international community.

The Human Rights Defender of Artsakh will continue working with state and international authorities to ensure the protection and return of the rights of Armenian individuals under Azerbaijani control.