Presence of Azerbaijanis in Syunik, including at Lake Sev, Must Be Excluded: Human Rights Defender

To prevent the spread of misinformation related to border incidents, state bodies must disseminate accurate and clear information. However, there were contradictions even among the information coming from state sources regarding today’s incident in Syunik. This was stated by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, in an interview with NEWS.am, addressing the border incident that took place today in Syunik and the panic that spread among the public as a result.

“We have been monitoring the processes occurring in Syunik since early morning. All issues are under my direct attention. I spoke in the morning with the commander of the first army corps, as well as with the heads of the local self-government of Goris, Kapan, Teg and other communities bordering Syunik. Additionally, we are in contact with our citizens, from whom we are also receiving information. Of course, we also monitor what is happening in the media and on social networks. Unfortunately, we have also seen a certain amount of panic-inducing misinformation, which is wrong in this case,” said Arman Tatoyan.

According to the Defender, it is evident that there are issues with the state's information policy. In particular, he pointed out that there are contradictions even between the information coming from state sources. “Firstly, I think the state bodies' reaction was delayed; the situation regarding borders is understandably a very sensitive issue because it pertains to security, relates to our country, and our society has the legitimate right to know what is happening. Moreover, accurate and complete information must be provided. This issue is sensitive, arouses significant public interest, and understandably the field can easily become filled with misinformation,” he added.

Tatoyan believes that misinformation cannot be allowed in this area, and to manage the situation and prevent the spread of fake news, state bodies must publish precise and clear information. According to him, a unified information policy must be pursued. “This is an issue that cannot be closed off or given little information about, because these are events occurring at the border. There are people living there who actually see what is happening. This is not a case where a delayed response would not affect the issue. We also saw misinformation related to other parts of the border, claiming that there were battles, evacuations taking place, etc. It is true that these were officially denied, but quite late,” noted the Defender.

When asked whether these and previous incidents suggest that the border situation in Syunik has a tendency to escalate, Arman Tatoyan replied. “The Azerbaijani presence in those areas is completely illegal; they have no legal basis for being there. Since the end of armed actions, Azerbaijani armed forces have consistently attempted to create provocations while being near civilian communities in Syunik. Let’s remember the attack on the Armenian shepherd, the incident of throwing stones at an Armenian vehicle, and the periodic gunfire from representatives of Azerbaijani border troops, which is still recorded from time to time. This should also be viewed in the context of their provocative actions. They also take steps that are openly terroristic; they are doing this deliberately. The goal is to create psychological pressure, and the more chaotic the situation in society becomes, the more beneficial it is for them; it is obvious that this is their political line,” he declared.