Azerbaijani Side Blocks Entry of Armenian Citizens to Artsakh, Says Ombudsman

According to data gathered by the Office of the Human Rights Defender of Artsakh, there have been at least three recorded instances of obstruction since the installation of a checkpoint, affecting two women and one child. In all instances, the individuals held Armenian citizenship but have permanently resided in the Republic of Artsakh, and their families also live in Artsakh.

These individuals had traveled to the Republic of Armenia for medical treatment under blockade conditions, and now, after resolving their health issues, they are unable to return home. Notably, while the Azerbaijani side has allowed these individuals to exit Artsakh, they have arbitrarily and illegally prohibited their entry back.

Due to the violations by Azerbaijan, the rights of these individuals to free movement and to reunite with their families have been infringed upon. The Human Rights Defender emphasizes that since April 23, the illegal installation of a checkpoint on the Hakari Bridge by Azerbaijan, as well as other measures that obstruct the free movement of individuals, vehicles, and cargo along the Lachin corridor, violate not only well-known international norms regarding human rights but also the provisions of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, particularly point six, which stipulates the safe and uninterrupted movement of individuals, vehicles, and cargo through the Lachin corridor.

Azerbaijan is attempting to mislead the international community through various propaganda videos, claiming that the corridor is not blocked and that the free movement of people is ensured. However, the existence of the checkpoint, along with the implementation of passport control, cargo checks, and other supervisory measures by Azerbaijan, already signifies obstacles to unimpeded movement, resulting in substantial risks not only for security but also for the arbitrary implementation of disruptive measures at any moment.

The recorded incidents further prove the bankruptcy of Azerbaijani state propaganda and the systematic and consistent ethnic cleansing policy being implemented by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh.