Human Rights Defender Issues Statement on Azerbaijani Armed Attacks near Sotk and Verin Shorzha

The Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, wrote on his Facebook page: "Azerbaijani authorities are committing criminal violations of international norms and are responsible for today, December 10, for the Azerbaijani armed attacks in the areas of Sotk and Verin Shorzha in the Gegharkunik region, which have resulted in firearm injuries to Armenian servicemen, including the intentional violation of the right to life by killing one of them.

This conclusion is based on the facts that:

1. Azerbaijani armed personnel have invaded and have been deployed near Armenian villages and roads between communities under the threat of war without any justification.
2. Since November 9, 2020, structures and plots of land (pastures, arable land, etc.) that legally belong to Armenian residents or are community property have physically been present in Gegharkunik and Syunik.
3. They periodically fire at Armenian villages and homes, creating a real danger to the life and health of civilian residents, causing damage to their property and livestock, and engaging in theft, deliberately obstructing agricultural work, etc.
4. In Gegharkunik, they set fire to pastures and hayfields near villages, and due to their presence along the roads between communities in Syunik, the right to life of people is endangered, mobility is restricted, and individuals are facing isolation and humanitarian problems.
5. After the war in Artsakh, civilians have been tortured and deliberately killed.
6. Azerbaijani authorities have deepened their policies of promoting hatred and hostility towards Armenians after the war.
7. No Azerbaijani armed personnel have been punished for their crimes; rather, these actions have been encouraged.
8. The Armenian servicemen are protecting the lives and health of civilian residents, ensuring a peaceful and secure life."