Photos: Azerbaijani Forces Threaten Shepherd in Verishen with Display of Weapons, Human Rights Defender Visits Syunik

The criminal presence of Azerbaijani military in the sovereign territory of Armenia grossly violates the rights of border residents of Armenia. This was reported by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia.

The Human Rights Defender, Arman Tatoyan, along with representatives of his staff, conducted fact-finding work in the Syunik region early this morning regarding the illegal and completely baseless presence of Azerbaijani military personnel towards the area of Lake Sev. The visit was conducted with the accompaniment of the mayor of Goris, during which discussions were held with civilian residents and military personnel.

In the vicinity of Lake Sev, the Human Rights Defender examined the created situation. It was found that Azerbaijani armed individuals, citing a blatantly false map, have violated the territorial integrity of Armenia and have made illegal advancements into the territory of the Republic of Armenia, specifically towards the area of Lake Sev and from there towards civilian settlements. This act by Azerbaijani military grossly violates the rights of border residents of Armenia and aims to intimidate people. On the first day, May 12, they already threatened the shepherd of Verishen by displaying weapons.

The Human Rights Defender notes that the presence of Azerbaijani military personnel grossly violates international human rights requirements and deprives Armenian citizens of their only source of livelihood through animal husbandry, limiting their access to pastureland. It poses a real threat to the residents of the communities concerning access to irrigation and drinking water as well as their life and safety.

This illegal act by the Azerbaijani armed forces further demonstrates the absolute necessity for the establishment of a security zone, as proposed by the Human Rights Defender, which would allow for the protection of the rights of border residents of Armenia and ensure their peaceful lives and physical and mental integrity.

The Human Rights Defender talked to the heroic and self-sacrificing officers and soldiers on site, discussing issues related to their service. The results of the visit will be summarized and steps will be taken to protect the rights of the border residents of Armenia.