Armenian gravestones vandalized in Stepanakert’s military cemetery

PanARMENIAN.Net - Gravestones in the military cemetery of occupied Stepanakert have once again been desecrated, with deliberate damage inflicted on the memorials, according to a video circulated on April 21, 2025.

The footage clearly shows that several tombstones have been intentionally defaced. The faces of Armenian freedom fighters etched into the stones have been partially gouged out, specifically targeting the eyes and mouths. Some gravestones have also been broken.

This information was reported by Monument Watch, an independent academic platform monitoring the condition of Armenian cultural heritage.

Since the complete occupation of Artsakh, the Stepanakert memorial complex has been at risk of destruction. Numerous videos show Azerbaijanis visiting the occupied cemetery and calling for the site's demolition.

Such acts of vandalism against Armenian cultural heritage, including cemeteries, are in violation of the International Court of Justice's ruling of December 7, 2021. That decision obliges Azerbaijan to take all necessary steps to prevent and punish any vandalism or desecration targeting Armenian cultural properties, including—but not limited to—churches, monuments, cemeteries, and other sites of historical and cultural significance.

Additionally, the European Parliament, in paragraph 19 of its resolution adopted on March 12, 2024, condemned the destruction and desecration of all cultural sites testifying to Armenian presence.

Desecration of cemeteries is also classified as a war crime under Article 8(2) of the Rome Statute, which defines such acts as intentional attacks on cultural, religious, educational, or medical sites not used for military purposes.

By engaging in these actions, Azerbaijan is also violating Article 4 of the 1954 Hague Convention, which requires parties to respect cultural property located within their own or other parties' territories by prohibiting military use or hostile acts against such sites.