Clear Intent Observed: Artsakh Human Rights Defender on Azerbaijani Truck Throwing Taxi into Ravine

On May 5, around 1:00 PM, an Azerbaijani truck traveling in a convoy on the 24th kilometer of the Martakert-Drmbon road collided with a Renault Logan taxi, which serves the Artsakh region, after crossing over to the opposite side of the road with its trailer. As a result, the taxi rolled 12 meters into a ravine located on the right side of the road. This was reported by Artsakh's Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan on his Facebook page, addressing the previously known incident.

In addition to the driver, there were 2 passengers in the vehicle. According to preliminary investigations, the passengers did not sustain any bodily injuries. Material damage was inflicted on the taxi service company.

Based on the facts collected by the Human Rights Defender's office, we can currently affirm that the Azerbaijani truck, upon noticing the possible collision, could have stopped and prevented the crash which resulted in the taxi rolling into the ravine. After the collision, upon seeing that the taxi had rolled into the ravine, the Azerbaijani convoy did not halt but continued on its route.

The taxi driver and passengers claimed that the driver did everything possible to avoid the collision; however, there was no longer an opportunity to evade the crash.

An investigation into the circumstances of the incident is being conducted by the law enforcement agencies of the Republic of Artsakh, but the aforementioned circumstances indicate a clear intent to collide and cause damage. It should be noted that according to the Artsakh Prosecutor's Office, the Artsakh police are investigating the incident where an Azerbaijani convoy caused the Artsakh vehicle to crash and roll into the ravine.