Azerbaijani Side Deliberately Hinders the Entry of RA Registered Citizens into Artsakh: Gegham Stepanyan

The Azerbaijani side is deliberately obstructing the entry of citizens registered in the Republic of Armenia into the Republic of Artsakh at an illegal checkpoint installed at the Hakari Bridge on the Goris-Stepanakert highway (Lachin corridor). This was reported by the Ombudsman of Artsakh, Gegham Stepanyan.

"According to data collected by the Artsakh Human Rights Defender's office, at least three similar incidents have been recorded since the installation of the checkpoint, hindering the entry of two women and one child. In all reported cases, although the citizens possessed RA registration, they had always resided in the Republic of Artsakh, and their families also live in Artsakh. These individuals had traveled to the Republic of Armenia for medical treatment under conditions of blockade, and now, after addressing their health issues, they are unable to return to their homes. Notably, the Azerbaijani side has permitted their exit from Artsakh while arbitrarily and unlawfully prohibiting their entry," Stepanyan said.

The violations committed by Azerbaijan have infringed not only on these individuals' rights to free movement but also on their rights to reunite with their families. The Human Rights Defender emphasizes that since April 23, the illegal checkpoint set up by Azerbaijan on the Hakari Bridge in the Lachin corridor and the other measures obstructing the free movement of individuals, vehicles, and cargo along this route violate not only internationally recognized norms of human rights but also the provisions of the trilateral statement of November 9, 2020, particularly point 6, which stipulates the safe and uninterrupted movement of people, vehicles, and cargo through the Lachin corridor.

Azerbaijan is attempting to obscure its violations from the eyes of the international community with various propaganda videos, claiming that the corridor is not blocked and that free movement is guaranteed. However, the presence of the checkpoint, the application of passport, cargo, and other types of control measures by Azerbaijan signifies barriers to unhindered movement, raising significant risks of security breaches and the possible application of arbitrary and obstructive measures at any moment. The reported incidents further demonstrate the bankruptcy of Azerbaijani state propaganda and the systematic and consistent ethnic cleansing policy being conducted by Azerbaijan against the people of Artsakh."