Disturbing Attempts by Azerbaijani Leadership to Justify Barbarism: Naghadyan

Today, the BBC news service circulated videos documenting the destruction of the foundational structure of the Zoravor Surb Astvatsatsin Church located near Mekhakavan (Jebrail), which occurred after the region came under Azerbaijani control. This same church had already suffered desecration during Azerbaijan's recent aggression against Artsakh.

This latest incident of a crime motivated by religious hatred conducted by Azerbaijan is unequivocally condemnable. Moreover, it is particularly disturbing that Azerbaijani leadership circles are attempting to justify this barbarism, indicating that this manifestation of vandalism was intentional and reminiscent of the systematic destruction of Nakhichevan's historical and cultural heritage.

The destruction of places of worship following the last war is not an isolated incident. The demolition of the 'Kanach Zham' church in Shushi, which has a history of over 200 years, exemplifies that the cultural vandalism perpetrated by Azerbaijan is founded solely on one criterion: hatred towards the Christian Armenian people.

Despite efforts to present itself to the world as a 'center of tolerance and multiculturalism,' Azerbaijan continues to assert its position as the vanguard in the destruction of Christian heritage. The destruction of Armenian historical, cultural, and religious heritage further highlights the insincerity of Azerbaijani authorities' assurances regarding the preservation of Christian cultural values.

The international community must take immediate action to cease and condemn the crimes initiated by Azerbaijan since September 27 of last year, which continue to this day, including cultural genocide.