The Azerbaijani administration continues its destructive policy in the occupied territories of Artsakh, flagrantly violating human rights and international legal norms. In recent months, public buildings and residential areas in Stepanakert have been systematically demolished, highlighting Azerbaijan’s ongoing ethnic cleansing and genocidal agenda.
According to Sergey Shahverdyan, Secretary of the State Council for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage in the Occupied Territories of Artsakh, an additional 2.5 hectares of residential areas were demolished in October and November in the center of Stepanakert. Combined with previous months, the total demolished area now amounts to 8.5 hectares, encompassing historical neighborhoods and public spaces.
Earlier, Azerbaijani forces leveled 3.5 hectares of land adjacent to the Stepanakert University and 0.5 hectares near the “Europe” Hotel. They had also previously demolished the Artsakh Parliament building, the Veterans’ Union building, and the Armenia Hotel located in Renaissance Square.
These actions are not only a direct assault on the Armenian identity of the region but also a blatant violation of international legal obligations related to the preservation of cultural heritage. Azerbaijan’s policies must receive strong condemnation from the international community to prevent further destruction of cultural and historical sites.
Azerbaijan’s systematic actions aim to erase the historical presence of the Armenian community in Artsakh, undermining the cultural diversity of the region. These crimes underscore the depth of Azerbaijan’s Armenophobia and ethnic cleansing policies, manifesting through the targeted destruction of cultural and public assets.