Human Rights Defender of Armenia on Incident Near Shushi

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, has issued a statement regarding an incident that occurred today near Shushi, where the Azerbaijani side opened fire on Armenian civilians.

The statement reads: "Today in Artsakh, the wounding of three civilians and the killing of a 22-year-old individual by gunfire from Azerbaijani servicemen is undeniable evidence that Azerbaijani armed personnel should not be present near any civilian areas in either Armenia or Artsakh. We have repeatedly warned about this.

It must be acknowledged that the very presence of Azerbaijani military personnel near civilian settlements is a violation of the right to life for those who live under constant threat. My colleague in Artsakh, Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan, confirmed that today, November 8, 2021, Azerbaijani armed forces opened fire on civilians conducting repair work on water supply pipes near a junction close to Shushi city. As a result, traffic on the Berdzor road near Shushi has also been disrupted. This information has been corroborated by the Artsakh National Security Service.

These gunfire incidents are acts of terrorism that not only illegally deprive civilians of their right to life but are also aimed at terrorizing the civilian population. It is evident that the presence of Azerbaijani armed forces near civilian settlements in both Armenia and Artsakh is a violation of the right to life, disrupting peace and security, and the normal lives of people.

The facts demonstrate that such violations in both Armenia and Artsakh are of the same nature, and the underlying cause is the state-sponsored policy of hatred and enmity propagated by the Azerbaijani authorities. Since the 2020 war, this has not only continued but has escalated into extreme manifestations, revealing its fascistic nature. It further heightens tension and deepens animosity.

This is a serious issue of human rights. It is the Azerbaijani political agenda that lies at the root of violations of people's lives, property, and all other rights; it is the source of these violations."