Is This a Normal Situation, Normal Conditions for Life? Arman Tatoyan

Human rights defender Arman Tatoyan wrote on his Facebook page:

“On January 13, Azerbaijani armed forces unlawfully deprived a peaceful resident of the village of Tegh in Syunik Province of his freedom and abducted him, subjecting him to treatment that undermined his dignity (for example, they tied his eyes and hands and transported him for about an hour). They violated his property rights by stealing 320-350 sheep (according to verified data). To this day, nothing has been returned, causing serious psychological distress to the individual and creating a significant social problem for his family.

We must not forget that this concerns ordinary human destinies, livelihoods earned through years of hard work, the right to live with security and dignity. People are living in real anxiety about the life and livelihood of themselves and their families. Is this a normal situation, normal conditions for life?

But all of this should be the basis of state policy, and security cannot be separated from the person. The facts of Azerbaijani crimes provide a realistic opportunity to remove their armed personnel; it simply requires fast and correct actions.

What are Azerbaijani armed forces doing before the official completion of border determination processes? They have fundamentally disrupted the normal life of people. But what is being done? For example, concerning the incident with a resident of Tegh, an unacceptable political stance was circulated again, suggesting that the resident of Tegh village crossed into the ‘Azerbaijani side,’ creating the impression that he is the ‘guilty’ party, rather than the Azerbaijani armed forces who committed criminal acts against him.

Referring again to my statement, there was a public attempt to deny those formulations, without taking into account that every formulation in the announcements of the Human Rights Defender of Armenia is carefully selected and has targeted significance.

Those promoting such political approaches need to be specifically explained that with such interpretations, they are giving ‘wings’ to Azerbaijani armed personnel, making them even more unrestrained. They weaken international protection of our citizens’ rights by generating obstructive evidence. Such interpretations must be eliminated once and for all.

And then, under the conditions of unclear state borders of Armenia, what ‘Azerbaijani side’ or territory are we talking about? Or why should peaceful residents become victims of these political misjudgments?

P.S. I personally spoke with the resident of Tegh village yesterday, and I became acquainted with him during my last visit to Tegh village—he is a patriotic and honest man. Measures are also being taken by us within the framework of the Human Rights Defender’s authority for the protection of his rights.”