Azerbaijanis Set Fires Near Kut and Sotk: Ombudsman

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, wrote on his Facebook page: “Since 11 AM, Azerbaijani servicemen have intentionally started fires near the villages of Sotk and Kut, close to their tents. Throughout the day, the fires towards the village of Sotk in Gegharkunik Province have been extinguished, while the fires near Kut have not been put out and have spread due to weather conditions. The posted photographs show the current situation.

I would like to emphasize that these areas contain pastures and grasslands belonging to the local communities, which are being completely destroyed by the fires. Considering also that Azerbaijani armed forces have invaded and are stationed in close proximity to the villages within the sovereign territory of Armenia, these fires pose a real danger to the civilian population of the villages as well.

Checks of residents' alarms indicate that these diversionary criminal acts against the civilian population of Armenia are occurring intentionally. First, Azerbaijani servicemen clearly realize they are located in areas belonging to pastures and grasslands used by civilians, as well as agricultural lands, and that people are unable to even access areas near the Azerbaijani positions because they are fired upon if they approach these places.

Furthermore, Azerbaijani troops are aware that the current weather conditions allow fires to spread quickly, destroying lands owned by people and depriving them of their sources of livelihood. Additionally, they understand that residents will see these fires, and this is clearly being done with the intent to intimidate the civilian population.

Yesterday, I mentioned that the withdrawal of Azerbaijani armed forces from Armenian villages and roads between communities has no alternative in order to guarantee the rights of the border residents of Armenia and to ensure a peaceful and secure life for people. The recent actions of Azerbaijan in Syunik, Gegharkunik, and Ararat, including shooting incidents, testify that these actions are becoming increasingly dangerous for civilian residents, are intentionally targeted, and represent a mass violation of rights.

This latest report from the Human Rights Defender of Armenia will be officially sent on Monday, August 30, with relevant proposals or demands to international bodies, as well as to Armenian state institutions and civil society organizations.