Impunity encourages new graver crimes by Azerbaijan, Armenian ombudsperson says

• 10.12.2022, 18:28
•  Region,  World,  Armenia

Armenia’s Human Rights Defender (Ombudsperson) Kristinne Grigoryan on Wednesday issued a statement on the new video depicting the execution of Armenian prisoners of war (POWs) by Azerbaijani troops which was posted on social media on Tuesday. The full text of the statement is provided below.

"The video disseminated on the Azerbaijani social media accounts on Tuesday depicts another case of torture of unarmed Armenian prisoners of war, which in its turn proves the following killing of those Armenian POWs by the Azerbaijani military. Yet again, the Azerbaijani armed forces record the facts of its war crimes. The Human Rights Defender’s Office has located the place, and we confirm that the incident took place during the Azerbaijani military attack on the sovereign territory of the Republic of Armenia on September 13, 2022. The Armenian prisoners featured in the video have been identified.

These facts, in addition to other evidence, are confirmed by the testimonies of the Armenian prisoners of war who had been repatriated on October 4.

The mentioned facts with respective details have been documented, and will be sent to specialized international organizations and actors.

The HRD underlines that the grave crimes committed by Azerbaijani servicemen remain unaddressed, and this impunity encourages and inspires new and graver crimes. These acts should be clearly condemned by competent international actors. The international community should more consistently demand from the Azerbaijani authorities to conduct proper investigation, and to punish the criminals and the organizers instead of decorating them with medals."