The Reality of Azerbaijani Agent 'Eco-Activists' Uncovered: 'Tatoyan' Foundation and Artsakh Human Rights Defender

The Center for Law and Justice 'Tatoyan' Foundation and the Artsakh Human Rights Defender have published a joint English report revealing the animosity of so-called 'eco-activists' who have closed the only road connecting Artsakh to Armenia and the outside world. The report exposes their hatred towards Armenia and Artsakh, their real motivations fueled by Azerbaijani authorities, and underscores that they have never had any involvement with environmental issues. The conclusions are based on evidence found within the report (photos, videos, testimonies).

Specifically, the main sections of the joint report are as follows:

1. In the early days of closing the road, mercenary workers from Turkey and Azerbaijan, along with Azerbaijani military personnel and security workers, were brought to the area. It is not coincidental that the Turkish flag was initially displayed, which was soon removed to keep this fact from being publicized (a link to relevant video footage is provided in the report). Subsequently, Azerbaijani authorities brought individuals who were officially presented as representatives of social and media organizations, but in reality, they are also funded by the Azerbaijani state budget, state-created foundations, and in some instances, NGOs that operate with foreign funding. There are also media organizations under state control. The foundation had previously released some relevant data.

2. Over recent months, the biographies of these 'eco-activists' in Azerbaijani have been analyzed, revealing that they have had no connection to environmental issues and that, instigated by Azerbaijani authorities, they are pursuing political objectives (such as establishing Azerbaijani checkpoints).

3. An analysis of the 'eco-activists' social media pages shows that they promote hatred, insults, and violence against Armenians. Some of them are affiliates and ideologists of the extremist nationalist terrorist organization 'Grey Wolves'. Some are former military personnel. These individuals have posted images of slain and tortured Armenian servicemen, demonstrating their glee and enthusiasm. There are even images where an Azerbaijani soldier is depicted holding an Armenian head after beheading.

4. The report argues that without explicit permission from Azerbaijani authorities, these agents could not have appeared in Artsakh, let alone attempted to block the road.

5. The report even includes testimonies from foreigners who were taken by Azerbaijani authorities as tourists to areas under their control after the 44-day war. However, they highlight that the actions of the Azerbaijani 'eco-activists' are unrelated to environmental issues, asserting that environmental topics are merely geopolitical tools. Furthermore, foreign tourists mention media under the control of the Azerbaijani government (with evidence provided in the report).

Throughout the preparation of this joint report, significant support was provided by Artsakh's Chief Prosecutor Gurgen Nersisyan in analyzing the evidence, verifying these findings, and acquiring new information. Important legal analyses were supported by international lawyers Garo Ghazaryan and Garnik Kerkonian. In terms of evidence acquisition and analysis, vital assistance was provided by international investigative journalist Lindsay Snell. The report will be sent to international organizations.