Nine Azerbaijani Soldiers Steal Cow and Newborn Calf from Upper Shorja Pasture and Slaughter Them

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, reported that on June 16, 2021, at approximately 5:30 AM, nine Azerbaijani soldiers stole a cow and a newborn calf belonging to a shepherd in the Upper Shorja pasture.

Specifically, based on reports received today, the Office of the Human Rights Defender confirmed that a resident of the Vardenis community in Gegharkunik Province, who serves as a shepherd in the Upper Shorja pasture, was awakened at 5:30 AM by Azerbaijani gunfire.

Upon waking, he discovered that Azerbaijani soldiers were shooting at his livestock, which were located in open areas adjacent to his residence. He quickly rushed to the animals and realized that one cow and the newborn calf were missing. Shortly after, he noticed that nine armed Azerbaijani soldiers were herding the cow and calf towards their positions. Along with other shepherds, he attempted to reclaim the animals, which began to run towards them. However, the Azerbaijani soldiers opened fire on the animals, injuring the cow's leg and preventing them from reaching their shepherds. Shots were also fired at the shepherds.

Subsequently, around 9:30 AM, four hours after the theft, the shepherds witnessed Azerbaijani soldiers butchering the cow in their positions.

The Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Armenia emphasizes that this theft took place on the territory of the Republic of Armenia, where Azerbaijani soldiers descended from illegally stationed positions within Armenia’s sovereign territory. All aspects of the incident have been confirmed by the other shepherds, and these findings have been verified.

During the spring, summer, and autumn months, several dozen civilians reside in these pastures, grazing their livestock. It is common for families to live in these areas, and their right to graze animals is established by legal documents through contracts with the community.

In essence, Azerbaijani soldiers are committing clear criminal acts with the intent of depriving Armenian civilians of their vital rights to life, livelihoods, and family income through livestock herding. Furthermore, they have not returned animals recently stolen from Armenian citizens (including from communities such as Kut, Upper Shorja in Gegharkunik Province, and Aravus, Khndzoresk in Syunik Province, etc.).

This incident further confirms that protecting the rights of the population in Armenia demands the existence of a security zone to safeguard against the criminal acts of Azerbaijani armed forces.