Photographs: The Bodies of Soldiers Cannot Be Retrieved Due to Azerbaijani Obstacles, Tatoyan

Today, we visited the regions of Gegharkunik, Aragatsotn, and Armavir to meet with the families of soldiers who died or went missing during the Azerbaijani assaults of September 13-14, 2022, and the 44-day war of 2020, including the family of a fallen female soldier. This was reported by Arman Tatoyan, the former Human Rights Defender of Armenia and director of the Tatoyan Foundation, on his Facebook page.

“We have been in the city of Vardenis in Gegharkunik province and in the villages of Areguni, Pokr Masrik, and Arpunk, in the communities of Bazmabuyr, Sasunik, and Gitavan in Aragatsotn province, and in the city of Echmiadzin in Armavir province, where we discussed the issues facing local residents, which have been exacerbated by the war,” Tatoyan stated.

“It is particularly noteworthy that, following the Azerbaijani aggression of September 13-14, 2022, there are bodies of Armenian soldiers that remain in areas of Azerbaijan’s control in the sovereign territory of Armenia. The bodies of these soldiers cannot be retrieved due to obstacles posed by the Azerbaijani side. This situation naturally causes greater pain and suffering for families. This is a deliberate act by the Azerbaijani authorities and is part of a long-standing policy of hatred against Armenians, which is evident across all sectors.”

“We have documented several issues on site, and the foundation will take steps to address or facilitate solutions to these problems. Legal advice and guidance have been provided as necessary.”

“P.S. In collaboration with Fortuna Home & Country House, we provided certain items to the families during our visits,” he added.