15:24, 19 October 2023
In a shocking revelation, the Armenian Human Rights Defender, Anahit Manasyan, announced that bodies of victims in Nagorno-Karabakh from the September 19-20 Azeri attack showed signs of torture and mutilation. The preliminary report on ill-treatment and torture was used as evidence by the Armenian government in the ICJ, highlighting the atrocities committed.
The report detailed instances of torture and mutilations on multiple bodies evacuated from Nagorno-Karabakh, including civilians, women, and children. The Ombudsperson also raised concerns about the treatment of former Nagorno-Karabakh officials imprisoned in Azerbaijan, citing violations of their rights and legal standards.
She condemned Azerbaijan for branding these officials as criminals without due process and highlighted the pervasive Armenophobia in the country, making it impossible to ensure a fair trial. The international community must address these human rights violations urgently.