Armenian delegation in Baku denies attack reports fearing for boxers’ lives

October 3, 2011 - 12:55 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - On October 2 news agencies spread reports that Armenian boxers, participating in Baku-hosted AIBA World Championships, were attacked.

According to azerisport.com news portal, a group of Karabakh Liberation Organization (KLO) supporters infiltrated the championship venue. As the Armenian boxer was entering the ring, their shouts “Armenians, get out!”, “Karabakh or death” were followed by a deluge of stones.

The report said that the match was suspended. The Armenian boxer, judges and referee left the venue. As ALO leader Akif Nagi stated, “we've been planning the protest action for several days. We must prevent Armenians' participation, and, unless our voice is heard, more drastic measures are under way.”

While head of the Armenian Delegation in Baku, vice president of the Armenian Boxing Federation Derenik Gabrielyan denied the reports in a conversation with a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter, sources close to the Federation explained the delegation’s behavior by fear for the Armenian boxers’ lives.

“AIBA can’t settle the problems and the organizers are unable to ensure even 30% of the security they pledged. When Armenian boxers were in the ring, Azeris threw stones and knives, injuring security officers,” the source said.

Fours boxers, who have already finished their performance, returned to Armenia.