Today, in the early
morning of May 11, 2023, the Azerbaijani armed forces conducted another
aggressive operation in the immediate vicinity of the Sotk community, firing
directly at the Armenian positions using weapons of various calibers.
The use of mortars and
artillery by the Azerbaijani armed forces in the immediate vicinity of Sotk
community undermines the rights to life, health, and other fundamental rights
of the civilian population.
The Human Rights
Defender continues to receive alarming calls that the shootings are clearly
visible in the village, as a result of which the population is terrorized, and
in a state of uncertainty and tension. The activities of the gold mine of Sotk
have also been stopped since morning, taking into consideration the security of
the workers.
The information which
is disseminated about the Azerbaijani targeting of an ambulance carrying a
wounded serviceman is of great concern, especially when the ambulance was clearly
marked and identifiable. It should be highlighted that targeting an ambulance
is prohibited by the norms of international humanitarian law.
The Human Rights
Defender’s Office is in constant contact with the management of the medical
institution and the medical staff. The issues related to the health of the
Armenian servicemen are under the close attention of the Defender.
The Human Rights
Defender highlights again, that the shootings conducted by the Azerbaijani
armed forces in the immediate vicinity of Armenian villages, including the use
of weapons of large caliber, which is aimed at
terrorizing the population and keeping them in a constant state of alarm,
stress, and anxiety. These acts grossly violate the principles of international
law and pose a real threat to the rights to life and security, and other
fundamental rights of the civilian population.
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