On
June 15, the Human Rights Defender Ms. Anahit Manasyan visited Yeraskh
community of the enlarged community of Ararat in Ararat province. The purpose
of the visit was to gather factual information and evidence that substantiate
the human rights violations resulting from the aggression of the Azerbaijani
armed forces on June 13-14, as well as to meet the residents and learn about
their concerns.
The
first stop was the construction site of the metallurgical factory in Yeraskh,
which is under construction, where the Defender met and held private interviews
with both the factory management and the citizens of India and Armenia involved
in the construction work. The factory currently employs around 130 Armenians
and 70 Indians. They provided detailed information to the Defender about how
the Azerbaijani servicemen opened intense fire on the factory for over an hour
and a half on the evening of June 13.
At
the time, the construction was in progress within the factory premises, but
because of the shootings, the construction works had to be ceased. As a result
of the shootings, the newly constructed columns, walls, the fence,
administrative building of the factory, and equipment in use for the
construction process were damaged. The employees reported that on the day of
the incident, the shots were fired from weapons of different calibers, were
intentional and targeted.
The
Defender was also told that on the morning of the next day, June 14, the active
construction work at the factory was resumed. However, at approximately 11:00
AM, the Azerbaijani armed forces resumed fire, targeting the workers and
equipment. It was emphasized that the shots were fired from specific types of
sniper rifles, since the shootings had more precise and destructive impact. As
a direct consequence of the shooting, two Indian citizens working on the
construction of the factory received shrapnel injuries. The employees stressed
that they barely managed to evacuate the wounded individuals from the area as
the Azerbaijani servicemen continued to shoot at both the workers carrying the
wounded and those seeking shelter from the gunfire. This situation represents
an evident and direct act of targeting civilian objects and civilians, which
grossly violates the established legal standards and principles embraced by the
modern society, including the requirements of international humanitarian law.
During
the tour at the factory premises, the management and workers presented the
consequences of the shootings, damages suffered by the factory facility and
various other details.
The
Defender underlines that the aggression of the Azerbaijani armed forces
violates the right of businessmen to engage in economic activities, which is
internationally guaranteed and stipulated by the Constitution of the Republic
of Armenia. Moreover, the labor rights of hundreds of citizens are severely
endangered.
Thereafter,
the Defender met with the residents of Yeraskh. They reported that on June 13
and 14, the shootings from Azerbaijani combat positions were intense, and large
caliber weapons were used. The shootings were clearly audible in the village,
causing distress, alarm, and an overall tense atmosphere. Residents noted that
the Azerbaijani side also opened fire directly in the center of the community,
specifically towards the Armenian flag placed on the M-2 interstate highway, as
a result of which, its damage.
The
principle of Yeraskh secondary school informed that the school currently serves
129 students. The school is located at a mere distance of 300-400 meters from
the nearest Azerbaijani combat position. According to principle, the shooting
started on the morning of June 14, during the students’ ongoing examinations.
Due to the intense gunfire, the loud sound of the shooting, and the resulting
anxiety experienced by both students and teachers, the examinations had to be
prematurely halted, followed by the evacuation of staff and students.
It is
self-evident that the residents have faced real threats to their rights to
life, health, property, and other essential rights. The Defender emphasizes
that the ongoing aggressive conduct of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the
direction of the border communities of Armenia directly impacts the normal
lives of children, including the proper exercise of their right to education,
thus gravely violating the fundamental rights safeguarded by international law.
Furthermore,
the Defender paid a visit to the Ararat Medical Center, where she met two
Indian citizens, Muhammad Asif and Mirhasan Sahajan, wounded by Azerbaijani
shots. After having sustained injuries on the morning of June 14, they were
immediately transported to a medical center and underwent surgical procedures.
The doctor confirmed that all bullet fragments had been successfully removed
during surgery, and their lives are not currently at risk.
The
Defender inquired about their health condition, and learned about the progress
of their treatment and related particulars. The director of the medical center
informed that they are under constant medical supervision and receive necessary
healthcare assistance.
The
Defender wished Muhammad Asif and Mirhasan Sahajan swift recovery and restored
health.
The
Defender underlines that there is mounting irrefutable evidence indicating that
Azerbaijani servicemen deliberately targeted civilians and infrastructure. Such
conduct by Azerbaijan constitutes a violation of the norms of international
law.
The
Human Rights Defender documented in detail the human rights violations as a
result of the aggression of the Azerbaijani armed forces in the direction of
Yeraskh. These documented violations will be presented to international
organizations and actors.
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