Azerbaijani 50 or more servicemen block Goris-Kapan interstate road for over 3 hours: Ombudsman

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, has reported that "Azerbaijani 50 or more armed servicemen have blocked the interstate road from Goris to Kapan in the Syunik region near the village of Davit Bek for more than 3 hours: They refuse to open it. These actions are criminal and have restricted the movement of people, the entire civilian population, including children, women, and the elderly.

We are receiving alarming reports from civilian residents, and we have verified the information. I urgently warn about this danger and state what must be done and urgently addressed: the presence of Azerbaijani armed personnel on the roads between the communities of Syunik in Armenia is criminal, and that is the end of it. It fundamentally violates the lives of people, their freedom of movement, and other vital rights guaranteed internationally.

For me, it is evident from the facts that this is a premeditated and overt crime against the civilian population of the Republic of Armenia. I am aware that Russian border guards are negotiating on-site to reopen the road, and with their efforts, civilian vehicles have been allowed to leave. According to verified information, negotiations will continue in the morning; they have refused to open the road. In the early morning, special reports will be sent regarding this incident to the relevant international bodies."