Artsakh Public Council's Statement on Video Involving Masked Individuals

The political expressions of the ruling forces during the pre-election process in Armenia are moving beyond civilized and democratic frameworks. This is stated in a declaration published by the Artsakh Public Council.

"The Artsakh Public Council strongly condemns the rhetoric of hatred generated by the authorities and spread in the public sphere during the pre-election processes, which is often accompanied by threats, labeling, and dangerous examples that deepen enmity and division among different groups of society.

It is particularly concerning that internally displaced Armenians from Artsakh are once again being targeted in the context of political struggle, attempting to portray them as a source of internal political tension or using their image for provocative purposes. This approach is not only unacceptable but also dangerous, given the existing sensitivities and security challenges within Armenian society.

The video involving masked individuals, which has been circulated, is also regarded by us as a blatant provocation aimed at instilling fear, tension, and suspicion among the public. We are confident that it has no connection with the people of Artsakh and has been artificially staged to involve Artsakh in internal political provocations.

The Artsakh Public Council calls on all political forces, state bodies, public figures, and media outlets to refrain from hateful speech, threats, and dangerous rhetoric that divides society. The pre-election campaign should not turn into hostility, and forcibly displaced Armenians from Artsakh should not become targets of political manipulation and provocations.

We urge the competent authorities to appropriately assess such phenomena, prevent possible provocations, and ensure public safety and social solidarity. The dignity, security, and rights of the Artsakh people cannot be used as tools for internal political struggle," the statement reads.