Free Movement on the Road from Kapan to Chaqaten and Shikahogh Disrupted in the Evening Hours: Ombudsman

The President of the Republic, Armen Sarkissian, and the Human Rights Defender, Arman Tatoyan, visited the village of Chaqaten in the Syunik region. During the visit, residents reported that due to the presence of Azerbaijani military forces on the road leading from Kapan to Chaqaten, Shikahogh, and other villages, they avoid traveling particularly in the evening hours.

Azerbaijani soldiers threaten the physical safety of the villagers. There are signs and flags along this road, which serve as a pretext for the military's deployment. This has disrupted the peaceful residents' free movement along this route. Because of this, villagers are forced to refrain from using this road in the evening for essential needs (for example, going to work or a medical facility and returning) due to safety concerns for themselves and their families.

Additionally, according to information from the villagers and local authorities, incidents of gunfire continue to be reported in the immediate vicinity of the villages. According to alerts, the shots are clearly audible in the villages, intended to intimidate peaceful residents, particularly targeting children and women.

Residents have also raised security and social issues to the President of the Republic and the Human Rights Defender. The Human Rights Defender reaffirmed his position that the deployment of Azerbaijani armed forces after the war, including flags and signs, lacks any legal basis and should be removed from these areas, and a demilitarized security zone should be established. The President also addressed this issue.

The offices of the President and the Human Rights Defender will summarize the results of the joint visit and will take appropriate actions within their jurisdiction, including collaboratively.