Armenian Captured Soldiers Were Executed by Azerbaijani 'Commando' Unit, Tatoyan Details

Former Human Rights Defender of Armenia and Director of the Center for Law and Justice Arman Tatoyan writes:

“According to a study by the Center for Law and Justice 'Tatoyan,' preliminary data has surfaced indicating that the perpetrators of the execution of Armenian captured soldiers in the video belong to the newly formed Azerbaijani 'Commando' unit. This is also supported by information from Telegram channels.

During the hostilities unleashed by Azerbaijan against Armenia from September 13-15, 2022, the active involvement of this unit in military operations is evidenced in numerous videos posted on Telegram channels, showing distinctive features of the uniforms worn by the soldiers. Furthermore, there are videos of soldiers from the 'Commando' unit post-September 13-15, 2022, where they are dressed in the same uniforms as depicted in the mentioned video.

This unit was created with a specific purpose, including terrorizing the Armenian population through acts of brutality and cruelty. We make this assertion based on objective evidence. The process of thoroughly investigating the evidence that substantiate Azerbaijan's war crimes is ongoing, and these will be properly documented and sent to international partners.

One thing is clear: Armenia must immediately appeal to the International Criminal Court, even at this stage recognizing the court's jurisdiction temporarily without ratification. The priority is the international criminal responsibility of the Azerbaijani authorities, military, and intelligence leaders. The international criminal prosecution of these individuals, even initiating such a process, may have a deterrent effect.

Under the conditions of Azerbaijan's ongoing massive war crimes against Armenia, this must be done without delay. Merely making appeals and demands to the outside world will not yield the necessary results in these matters. Concrete mechanisms must be employed.”