Arman Tatoyan on the Killing of Armenian Soldier in Yeraskh

Former Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan, responding to the death of an Armenian soldier from enemy gunfire in Yeraskh, writes: "Azerbaijani authorities are committing criminal violations of international regulations and bear direct responsibility for today, March 7, in Yeraskh, for injuring Armenian servicemen with gunfire and killing one of them.

It is impossible to ignore the facts that: 1. Azerbaijani armed servicemen are stationed near the borders of Armenian villages and on roads connecting the communities under the threat of war. 2. Since November 9, 2020, they are physically present in buildings and lands in Gegharkunik and Syunik (pastures, arable lands, etc.) that legally belong to Armenian citizens or are community property. 3. They regularly fire upon our villages, including the peaceful inhabitants of Yeraskh, targeting their homes and creating real danger for the lives and health of civilians, causing damage to their property and livestock, engaging in thefts, deliberately obstructing agricultural work, and preventing peaceful residents from earning a family income, etc. 4. Due to their cynical criminal acts, the safety and secure living conditions of people are at risk, the normal lifestyle and security are disrupted, and people are deprived of the possibility of free movement, facing isolation and humanitarian issues. The same violations have occurred in Artsakh after the war, but with more aggressive manifestations (cases of killing peaceful residents, etc.). 5. After the war, Azerbaijani authorities have deepened their state policy of fostering hatred and enmity towards Armenians. This fact has been proven in my report. It is clear that there is a lack of peace in their true intentions; it is merely a façade for the outside world, while the enmity between the two peoples and the continuous external enemy assumes the form of hatred to maintain their own power. 6. A crucial factor is that no Azerbaijani armed serviceman has been punished for their crimes; these acts have only been encouraged by Azerbaijani authorities. 7. Armenian servicemen protect the lives and health of civilians, ensuring a peaceful and secure life."