Lemkin Institute to discuss abduction of Karabakh citizens by Azerbaijan

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention will discuss the illegal abduction of civilians and military and political leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) by Azerbaijan, lawmaker Taguhi Tovmasyan said, citing her correspondence with the Executive Director of the Institute, Elisa von Joeden-Forgey.

Tovmasyan said von Joeden-Forgey expressed her solidarity with regard to the early return of illegal abductions.

“We are very concerned and committed to ensuring that no harm comes to the current hostages and that they are quickly released along with hostages from the 44-Day war,” von Joeden-Forgey reportedly said.

“I will meet with our team to discuss some of the ways in which the Lemkin Institute might be able to be of help. “

After launching a major offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh in September, authorities in Azerbaijan arrested former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh, including former Presidents Arayik Harutiunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakian, former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, as well as the speaker of the Karabakh legislature, Davit Ishkhanyan.

On September 19, Azerbaijan launched a military offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh, which left hundreds of Armenians killed and thousands of others displaced. On September 20, the authorities of Nagorno-Karabakh agreed to a ceasefire on Azerbaijan’s terms, including the dissolution of the Defense Army. On September 18, President of the Republic of Artsakh Samvel Shahramanyan signed a decree, according to which the Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) will cease to exist by January 1, 2024. Over 100,000 displaced residents have already fled Nagorno-Karabakh and reached Armenia.