Arman Tatoyan marks Artsakh war anniversary

Former Armenian Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan recalled the atrocities committed during and after the 2020 Artsakh war, stressing that those responsible not only escaped justice but were even encouraged.

Tatoyan noted that the war began on September 27, 2020, when a 9-year-old girl, Victoria Gevorgyan, was killed by Azerbaijani shelling in Martuni. He cited multiple cases of brutality against Armenian civilians, including the executions of elderly residents and young men in Hadrut, and the beheadings of villagers in Azokh and Madatashen, which were filmed and circulated by Azerbaijani soldiers themselves.

He emphasized that civilians and soldiers alike were tortured and subjected to inhumane treatment, with jihadist fighters also participating. Azerbaijani attacks targeted civilian settlements, used prohibited weapons and destroyed Armenian churches, all while Azerbaijan spread state-sponsored anti-Armenian hate speech.

Tatoyan underlined that the crimes remain unpunished. “Real peace is only possible with genuine guarantees, through a strong and resilient state built on unity and rule of law,” he said, paying tribute to those who died defending the homeland.