Azerbaijani Soldiers Set Fire Near Villages in Gegharkunik Province

Arman Tatoyan, the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, wrote on his Facebook page: "Reports have been submitted to the Human Rights Defender's office regarding Azerbaijani soldiers setting fires near the villages of Verin Shorja and Nerin Shorja, and Ayriq in the Gegharkunik region of Armenia since yesterday. These fires primarily threaten the meadows and pastures of local residents, which are being destroyed by flames.

Taking into account that Azerbaijani armed forces have infiltrated and are stationed in the immediate vicinity of the villages, within the territory of Armenia, these fires also pose a real danger to the local civilian population. The fires are causing serious social issues for the people. These reports were provided to us by the villagers, and the Human Rights Defender's office has verified them through multiple sources, including objective evidence.

The verification of the reports indicates that these subversive criminal acts against the civilian population of Armenia are being carried out deliberately. Approximately a month ago, Azerbaijani soldiers had also set fires in the vicinity of the villages in Gegharkunik (Kut, Verin Shorja, Sotk, etc.). These areas are located in high-altitude regions where people had to manually extinguish the fires alongside firefighters, while Azerbaijani soldiers were concurrently creating new fire hotspots.

The withdrawal of Azerbaijani armed forces from Armenian villages and roads between communities is the only alternative to guarantee the rights of the border residents and ensure a peaceful and safe life for the people. A security zone is necessary to protect the rights of border residents.

Recent acts by Azerbaijan near Armenian villages, including instances of gunfire, indicate that these actions are becoming increasingly dangerous for the civilian population, are deliberately targeted, and violations of rights are taking on a widespread nature. This report from the Human Rights Defender of Armenia will be sent to international organizations, as well as to Armenian state bodies and civil society organizations tomorrow morning as a separate communication.