‘Eco-activists’ Mislead International Community with Fabricated Humanitarian Efforts, Says Tatoyan

The head of the ‘Tatoyan’ Foundation and former Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan posted: “On the 114th day of blocking the lifeline of Artsakh, on April 4, Azerbaijani government agents threatened 27 citizens traveling from Goris to Stepanakert and impeded their movement.

1. Azerbaijani ‘eco-activists’ invaded vehicles, threatened and intimidated people.
2. The Azerbaijani side claims that men were in the vehicles, supposedly trying to justify their actions. Evidence indicates that those traveling to Stepanakert included exclusively Artsakh citizens, predominantly elderly individuals, children, and persons with disabilities. As a result of the incident, four women’s health deteriorated.
3. To allow entry into Artsakh, Azerbaijani ‘eco-activists’ unlawfully imposed preconditions, demanding ‘acceptance of Azerbaijani citizenship’ and verification of all individuals.
5. This incident further proves that the ‘eco-activists’ closing off the lifeline of Artsakh have nothing to do with environmental protection or conservation.
6. These ‘eco-activists’ operate under the incitement and patronage of Azerbaijani authorities and pursue political objectives. Some of them are either current or former military personnel or work within Azerbaijani governmental bodies.
7. The ‘eco-activists’ who have blocked the lifeline of Artsakh are filled with hatred towards Armenians and are engaged in the propaganda of Azerbaijani authorities’ enmity. Moreover, by prohibiting people from entering Artsakh, they demonstrate that Azerbaijani authorities are implementing a policy of ethnic cleansing.

Trucks heading to Stepanakert under the escort of Russian peacekeepers had to return to Goris due to the prevailing situation. People were deprived of the opportunity to reunite with their families. This incident again shows that agents of the Azerbaijani government—‘eco-activists’—are creating serious problems in Artsakh, and in this context, they seek to mislead the international community with fabricated humanitarian efforts.

All details and information regarding the incident have been discussed by the Center for Law and Justice ‘Tatoyan’ Foundation with the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh, who confirmed the information. The genuine intentions of the ‘eco-activists’ who have closed off the lifeline connecting Artsakh to Armenia and the outside world, their anti-Armenian political agenda, and their direct ties to Azerbaijani authorities have been documented in a 300-page report submitted to international organizations. This statement will also be sent to international organizations.”