Azerbaijani Authorities Responsible for the Killing of 3 Armenian Soldiers in Gegharkunik Today: Human Rights Defender

The Azerbaijani authorities are acting in blatant violation of international rules and are responsible for the killing of 3 Armenian soldiers today in Gegharkunik, infringing on their right to life and causing harm to the health of injured soldiers. This was noted by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, on his Facebook page.

“This conclusion is based on at least the following facts: Azerbaijani armed forces have 1. invaded and illegally deployed in the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia in Gegharkunik and Syunik; 2. been physically present since November 9, 2020, on lands that legally belong to residents of the Republic of Armenia or are community property; 3. periodically fire at villages, creating a real threat to the life and health of civilian residents, causing damage to their property and livestock; 4. engage in illegal activities against civilian residents, including theft of livestock, attempts to unlawfully deprive individuals of their freedom, threats with firearms against civilians, and obstacles to agricultural work, among others; 5. their presence near villages and roads between communities has restricted the free movement of people.

In addition to this, Azerbaijani authorities officially declare that their armed attacks and threats of war are aimed at exerting prohibited influence on the processes of demarcation and delimitation of borders in violation of international law,” wrote Arman Tatoyan.