Azerbaijanis Stationed Adjacent to Kapan Airport Runways, Reports Ombudsman

The Azerbaijani signs installed on the roads in the Syunik region have a strategic purpose. They are used to intimidate people. This was stated by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, during a press conference.

The Human Rights Defender noted that these individuals are commanded by a president who threatens the residents of Armenia daily, and therefore, we must consider these critical circumstances.

“When we were photographing this sign, we stood for 2 minutes and not even a minute passed before we looked up and saw people standing on a small hill with weapons pointed at us. Naturally, people avoid traveling through those areas. This is a gross violation of the freedom of movement. People are going to the hospital and prefer to return in the morning, but they have to travel at night through these routes,” stated Arman Tatoyan.

He then presented photos of Kapan Airport, noting that Azerbaijani deployments are located right next to the runways. Arman Tatoyan emphasized that by being stationed there, the Azerbaijani armed forces manage to establish control over the M2 highway and the city of Kapan, endangering the lives and health of the population.

“Their deployment there, even without a shot being fired, is a violation of the right to life. According to the requirements of the European Court, it is not necessary for there to be a victim for this to be classified as a violation of the right to life. There is a danger that the airport might be operational because they could shoot or conduct attacks on aircraft; how do we plan for the free movement of Kapan residents?” said Arman Tatoyan.