Work at Sotk Mining Complex Halted Due to Azerbaijani Gunfire: Human Rights Defender Details

The Office of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia received reports from civilian residents early this morning, indicating that Azerbaijani armed forces were firing in the vicinity of the village of Sotk in the Gegharkunik region.

According to a statement by Armenia's Human Rights Defender, Arman Tatoyan, it has been determined that the gunfire originated from positions of the Azerbaijani armed forces located in the area of wind turbines near the Sotk mountain pass in the Gegharkunik region and continued intermittently for an extended period. The gunfire was from various calibers of weapons and was directed toward the Sotk mining complex in addition to the Armenian armed forces' positions. The shots were clearly audible even in the village of Sotk and other parts of the Gegharkunik community.

Reports have also been received regarding the evacuation of employees at the Sotk mining complex due to the gunfire and the tense situation it has created. The fact that the “Geopromining Gold” company had to cease operations at the mining site last night due to gunfire underscores the obstruction of the company's legitimate business activities by the Azerbaijani armed forces, a gross violation of the rights of its employees, and a real threat to human life.

The Human Rights Defender notes specifically that the area from which the Azerbaijani armed forces fired has been legally registered and allocated to a company within Armenia, based on the Armenian Government's December 2000 decision according to the Law on the State Border. A long-term lease agreement for 30 years has been entered into with this company, ensuring the state registration of property rights. This means that the land is legally owned by a company registered in Armenia, which has been allocated for the purpose of constructing and operating a wind power plant.

The company has built two wind turbines on 75 hectares of the allocated 200 hectares. Azerbaijani armed forces unlawfully invaded this area on November 25, 2020, causing approximately $5,000,000 in damages to the company. The Human Rights Defender addressed this matter specifically in a statement on February 5, 2021.

Today, the Human Rights Defender received reports that, around 04:00 AM on July 26, Azerbaijani armed forces also opened fire near the civil locality known as Sarategh in the Vardenis community of Gegharkunik region.

Additionally, reports have come in that the Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire around 11:30 AM on July 26 near the Yeraskh community in the Ararat region, in addition to Gegharkunik. The gunfire was also audible in the village. Shooting resumed at around 15:30 and has continued up to the present moment.

The facts of Azerbaijani gunfire in these neighboring communities of Gegharkunik and Ararat regions clearly demonstrate that in all areas near civilian settlements where Azerbaijani armed forces are present, their behavior is consistent—gunfire, theft of livestock, obstacles to hay harvesting and crop gathering, threats, and more.

The described gunfire reinforces the understanding that the mere presence of Azerbaijani armed forces near Armenian civilian settlements, particularly in the regions of Gegharkunik, Syunik, and lately Ararat (for example, the village of Yeraskh), constitutes a blatant violation of the right to life for Armenian citizens. Their actions infringe upon the rights of Armenian residents to property, free movement, engage in livestock farming, earn family income, and other vital rights. They disrupt the peace and normal life of civilian residents.

The instances of Azerbaijani gunfire on July 26 in the Gegharkunik and Ararat regions have also been officially confirmed by the Ministry of Defense of Armenia.