Azerbaijani Soldiers Fire Shots Towards Armenian Villages While Intoxicated, Says Armenia's Ombudsman

Azerbaijani soldiers are firing shots from both small and large-caliber weapons towards the villages of Chakatin, Nerkin Hand, Shikahogh, Yeghvard, Agarak, and Ujanis in the Syunik region of Armenia while intoxicated, according to Armenia’s Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan.

Residents of all the mentioned villages and local authorities have reported to the Human Rights Defender about periodic gunfire occurring both during the day and at night. According to reports, the gunshots are clearly audible in the villages, aiming to intimidate peaceful residents, particularly women and children.

Furthermore, villagers have observed frequent instances of Azerbaijani soldiers firing while inebriated. It is during these times that the gunfire tends to be from larger caliber weapons and is more intense.

Complaints regarding these gunshots were first reported to the Human Rights Defender's delegation during visits to Chakatin and other villages on January 9, 2021. That visit also directly confirmed that gunfire creates evident tension in the villages.

These criminal and completely reprehensible acts must be eradicated. They pose a real threat to the safety and health of peaceful residents of Armenia, infringing on their physical and mental integrity, as well as other rights recognized internationally and guaranteed by the Constitution of Armenia. These acts grossly violate the interests of children as well.

This fact further reinforces the Human Rights Defender's belief that the presence of Azerbaijani armed personnel near Armenian border communities, inter-community, and inter-state roads presents a genuine threat to the lives and fundamental rights of peaceful residents.

Reports regarding these matters will be sent to international organizations, including the OSCE, the UN, and the Council of Europe. Separate reports will also be submitted to specialized mechanisms of intergovernmental organizations.