Azerbaijani Gunfire Targeted Civilian Tractor, Damaged Windows: Human Rights Defender

Azerbaijani gunfire yesterday was targeted towards the village of Khachik in the Areni community, damaging the rear and side windows of a civilian tractor involved in agricultural work. This was reported by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan.

At the time of the shooting, the community resident was inside the tractor, plowing the land. It is evident that Azerbaijani servicemen were aware that the peaceful civilian was engaged in agricultural activities.

These alerts directed to the Armenian Human Rights Defender have been verified and confirmed through fact-finding efforts (attached are photos of the damaged tractor). The gunfire was directed at the Khachik village of the Areni community in the Vayots Dzor region of Armenia on November 9, 2021, around 2:30 PM.

This act by the Azerbaijani armed forces is directed against the dignity, life, and property rights of peaceful residents of the Republic of Armenia, disturbing their peaceful and safe existence and impairing their rights to physical and mental integrity. These rights are recognized internationally and guaranteed by the Constitution of Armenia.

One of the main causes of the continuous violations of the rights of the residents of Armenia by Azerbaijani actions is the impunity, as well as the state-sponsored policy of incitement of hatred and hostility against Armenians.

This report will be included in the annual reports of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia and will be sent to international organizations.