Freedom House Reports Multiple Criminal Acts by Azerbaijan Against Armenia: Taguhi Tovmasyan

The international human rights organization Freedom House has documented several criminal acts committed by Azerbaijan against Armenia. The Chairperson of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Human Rights Protection and Public Affairs, Taguhi Tovmasyan, presented excerpts from the report.

In September, Azerbaijani armed forces invaded Armenian territory. As a result of the continued escalation of armed conflict, nearly 200 Armenian servicemen lost their lives, and over 293 were injured, while three civilians were killed and 20 soldiers were captured.

Official reports contained credible evidence that Azerbaijani forces had committed war crimes. Despite two days of active combat operations, the ceasefire that followed was repeatedly violated.

Azerbaijani forces continued to attack along the entire border, occupying Armenian territories and increasing the danger of a large-scale war. After the ceasefire in November 2020, Azerbaijani forces took control of a 21 km stretch of the Goris-Kapan highway, the only major road connecting the Syunik region to the rest of Armenia, thereby dividing villages and restricting residents' freedom of movement.

In November 2021, Azerbaijani forces established new checkpoints along the road. In 2022, dozens of Armenian prisoners of war remained detained in Azerbaijan, with some reportedly subjected to torture during their captivity.

Tovmasyan emphasized, “I consider such reports by human rights organizations important, urging others to feel free to raise voices against any violations by Azerbaijan, not only against Armenia but also regarding the three-month blockade of Artsakh, highlighting the gross violations of international law.”