Azerbaijanis Demanded Conversion from Christianity to Islam, Says Arman Tatoyan

Following the war, Azerbaijan has developed a policy of animosity, as evidenced by new forms of torture inflicted on Armenian prisoners of war. This was stated by Armenia's Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan on his Facebook page.

“For example, in one case, Azerbaijani servicemen demanded that an Armenian soldier renounce Christianity and convert to Islam, i.e., change his religion. When the Armenian soldier refused to comply, they burned his leg and subjected him to brutal beatings and mockery. We have never recorded anything like this before.

In another case, they noticed a tattoo of a cross and burned that part of the body with a lighter, also subjecting him to severe beatings. Those who had a cross were either forced to give it up or it was destroyed. When our prisoners demanded the return of their crosses, they were subjected to brutal beatings and mockery. They mocked their religion.

These incidents are a direct consequence of the Azerbaijani authorities' sponsorship of hate and animosity. They provide evidence that this policy has only intensified since the war and reveal how deeply entrenched it is. Furthermore, the focus has shifted; in addition to ethnicity, meaning being Armenian, it now includes religious affiliation as well.

Note: These incidents were recorded following the latest emergency report by the Human Rights Defender of Armenia regarding the torture of prisoners in Azerbaijan. I specifically warn all those who might think to deny this publication that there is reliable objective evidence, which I will not disclose to avoid targeting individuals. I make this publication to ensure that both our public and the international community are aware of the actual situation and the human rights violations taking place,” he stated.