Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan and the staff members have been conducting fact-finding work in Syunik region today since early in the morning, in connection with the illegal presence of the Azerbaijani military, which has absolutely no legal basis, in the direction of the Sev Lich (Black Lake) in Syunik region of the RA.

The head of Goris community accompanied the Ombudsman’s working group during the visit. Discussions with civilians and military were held during the visit as well.

The Human Rights Defender got acquainted with the situation in the area near the lake. It turned out that the Azeri military, citing some blatantly false map, violated the territorial integrity of Armenia, illegally advancing inside the borders of Armenia, in particular, the territory of the Sev Lich (Black Lake) and from that area to civilian settlements. This act of the Azerbaijani military grossly violates the rights of the border residents of the Republic of Armenia and is intended to intimidate people. On the first day, the 12th May, they threatened the shepherd of Verishen with a weapon.

The RA Human Rights Defender specifically states that the presence of the Azerbaijani military grossly violates international human rights requirements; for life and safety.

The mentioned illegal act of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces proves once again the absolute necessity of the Human Rights Defender’s proposal to create a security zone, which will guarantee the rights and peaceful life of the RA border residents, the physical and mental inviolability of the people.

The Human Rights Defender talked to the officers and soldiers who performed heroic and selfless service on the spot, discussed issues related to their service.

The results of the visit will be summed up; steps will be taken to protect the rights of the RA border residents.