Videos from Azerbaijan "testify to violation of Armenian officer's rights"

PanARMENIAN.Net - Footage published by Azerbaijani soldiers testify to the gross violations of the rights of Armenian officer Gurgen Alaverdyan and the hatred towards him, Armenia's Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan said Monday, August 24 evening.

Alaverdyan went missing after he left his post to inspect the checkpoint during bad weather on August 22, according to Defense Ministry spokeswoman Shushan Stepanyan. The Azerbaijani side reported that the Armenian officer was taken prisoner after a failed sabotage, but Stepanyan has refuted the claims as disinformation.

Tatoyan said he has appealed to international human rights organizations, noting the gross violations of Alaverdyan's rights and the international humanitarian law.

In particular, Tatoyan said, the videos reveal that Alaverdyan is handcuffed and surrounded by Azerbaijani servicemen. He appears to be wearing a winter hat, which completely conceals his eyes.

The Azeri soldiers are also seen insulting the dignity of the Armenian officer, displaying sarcastic behavior and demonstratively humiliating his honor all the time, the Human Right Defender added.

The videos are flooded with obvious hatred towards Alaverdyan for being Armenian, Tatoyan added.