Treasure Hunters Destroy Khachkars and Dig Graves in Khosrov Forest Reserve

Recently, a video was shared online showing that treasure hunters have destroyed the ‘Mankuk’ khachkars in the Khosrov Forest State Reserve’s Khachadzor area and have dug up graves. It is noted that the location was once an old settlement, and until 1950, there were still inhabitants (this does not refer to the area of Gilani, where residents still live). Now it lies within the reserve’s boundaries, where human entry is generally prohibited unless there is relevant permission from the management.

The director of the Khosrov Forest State Reserve, Hrachya Movakimyan, confirmed to Panorama.am that the video is authentic, and now law enforcement agencies will try to determine who the vandals are. He also mentioned that surveillance cameras were present in the area, but they were also stolen.

“This is the first incident in seven years. It’s barbarism; they are disturbing a grave and pulling out bones. That area is a village site and contains graves. It’s an old village site, Mankuk. It is impossible to drive there; we have posts there, and it is not possible to ascend. I think those who went there did it and sent the pictures. That area is where no one goes, not even our employees, because there’s nothing to do there,” said Movakimyan.

We also learned from lawyer Nazeli Vardanyan that any violation of reserve regulations usually entails administrative liability, but if it results in material damage, it could also lead to criminal responsibility.

Photo: Panorama.am
Video: Eco-Media Network FB page