Tatoyan on Azerbaijani Armed Forces' Thefts and Gunfire in Nerkhin Hand

The Azerbaijani armed forces infiltrating Nerkhin Hand in Kapan are committing thefts of livestock, firing nearly every day near residential houses, illegally placing mines, and have cut off drinking water from the spring. They are also illegally present in the cemetery and church area. This was reported on Facebook by former Human Rights Defender of Armenia, Arman Tatoyan.

"In particular, from today's fact-finding work, we have recorded that the Azerbaijani armed forces who invaded the village of Nerkhin Hand in September 2022 have further reinforced their positions in the area. They continue to disrupt the normal life of border residents. Almost every day, they open fire from their illegally stationed positions in the village.","

They are engaged in thefts. For instance, in October of last year, they stole 1 cow or about 3 weeks ago, 2 cows that approached their positions. Additionally, the livestock of residents are dying from the explosions of mines placed by Azerbaijani armed forces. For example, in October of last year, 3 cows died at once or recently, residents’ pigs perished due to explosions.

As a result of these Azerbaijani crimes, livestock breeding has almost disappeared in Nerkhin Hand. People have been forced to slaughter their animals.

Prior to the war, for example, residents of Nerkhin Hand had more than 100 cows before the Azerbaijani invasions and illegal placements, but today their number is down to 4. The number of pigs has decreased tenfold—from 150 to 15. People have been deprived of their pastures and arable lands. In Nerkhin Hand alone, 240 hectares of land is directly under Azerbaijani occupation or under the control (observation) of Azerbaijani armed forces. Dozens of families have ownership rights but cannot even approach their lands.

The Azerbaijani armed forces are illegally positioned near the village's only water source, and they have cut off the drinking water supply. Now, families living in Nerkhin Hand are forced to use what is called "technical" water.

Residents have been unable to approach the village cemetery since September 2022 to visit the graves of their families. When a person dies in the village, they are forced to bury them in the territory of Kapan city.

The only church in the village, St. Hripsime, located next to the cemetery, is also under Azerbaijani occupation today. People cannot participate in church ceremonies or simply visit the church.

We had also recorded these facts during the previous visit conducted with international lawyers Garo Ghazarian and Karnig Kerkonian. All recorded facts confirm that the Azerbaijani armed forces must be removed immediately. The collected evidence will be presented to international organizations in a specially prepared report."