Azerbaijani Flags and Signage on Syunik Roads Used as Pretext for Military Deployment: Human Rights Defender

The Human Rights Defender continues to receive reports from citizens regarding the presence of Azerbaijani armed personnel on the roads in the Syunik region of Armenia, notably between Goris and Vorotan, Shurnukh, and between various other settlements such as Kapan, Jakatn, and Shikahogh. These personnel are reportedly displaying their weapons openly.

According to the Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, citizens have indicated that the Azerbaijani flags and signage on these roads are being used as a pretext for the deployment of Azerbaijani armed forces. This situation has disrupted the free movement of people in the area.

The Human Rights Defender reiterates that the mere presence of Azerbaijani armed personnel on the roads between the communities of Syunik region constitutes a violation of the right to life, as enshrined in Article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights, particularly concerning the residents of these communities.

Furthermore, the presence of these forces has hindered the guaranteed safe and peaceful existence of the population, violating the right to free movement as stated in Article 2 of Protocol No. 4 of the European Convention. Additionally, there is a breach of the right to property as enshrined in Article 1 of Protocol No. 1 of the European Convention, since Azerbaijani military personnel are located in homes and lands belonging to individuals, backed by legal official documents in areas such as Vorotan and Shurnukh. This has fundamentally disrupted people's way of life.