However, it is a matter of concern when esteemed international organizations such as Amnesty International contribute to the dissemination of such misinformation.
The recent publication by Amnesty International, in which it falsely accuses peaceful Azerbaijani protesters of blocking the Lachin road, is a clear demonstration of its disregard for the truth and for international law. The organization’s allegations are based on misinformation fed to it by Armenians, and lack any credible evidence to support them. This behavior is not only irresponsible, but it also undermines the rights of Azerbaijani citizens to protest on their own territory and engage in their legitimate demands.
As the humanitarian crisis in Azerbaijan unfolds, the call is clear – Azerbaijan’s authorities and Russian peacekeepers must lift the blockade of the Lachin corridor and end the humanitarian crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh. pic.twitter.com/apeIZwKKex
— Amnesty International (@amnesty) February 9, 2023
The recent publication by Amnesty International, in which it unjustly accuses peaceful Azerbaijani protesters of blockading the Lachin road, is a clear example of irresponsible behavior. The organization’s claims about the road being blocked are decisively discredited by the numerous videos that have been published on social media platforms, including on my own Twitter account, which show large convoys of both ICRC and Russian peacekeeping forces using the road. These videos directly refute Amnesty International’s false statement that only “5-6 trucks” pass the road on a daily basis.
The protesters have legitimate reasons for their actions. They are raising concerns about the illegal exploitation of the Demirli and Gizilbulag deposits by Armenians, which is causing severe ecological damage in the Karabakh. The protesters also demand that Azerbaijani ecologists be granted access to these mineral deposits to monitor their condition.
It is a well-established fact that the Karabakh is internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan and that the rights of Azerbaijanis to protest on their own soil are protected under international law. The Lachin road was built by Azerbaijan and granted for the purpose of providing transportation for ethnic Armenians residing in Karabakh, as well as for the delivery of humanitarian cargo, not to be used for illegal activities such as export of Azerbaijan’s illegally exploited natural resources. Despite the fact that dozens of huge trucks are delivering humanitarian supplies on a daily basis, there has not been a single instance of a civilian vehicle requesting to use the road. Civilians have chosen to seek the assistance of the ICRC and Russian peacekeepers instead. This fact alone undermines the propaganda of a nonexistent “blockade”.
Furthermore, the protesters have challenged Armenians and pro-Armenian journalists to provide evidence of Armenian civilians being turned away by the protesters, but to this day, no such evidence has been presented. This lack of evidence further supports the conclusion that such instances do not exist, as Armenians would certainly be quick to circulate videos of such incidents if they did occur.
In light of the above, it is imperative that organizations such as Amnesty International act in accordance with international law and refrain from spreading false information and propaganda. Such behavior only serves to further escalate tensions and distance nations from peace and resolution. The international community must hold organizations like Amnesty International accountable for their actions, and ensure that they fulfill their obligations to promote truth, justice, and peace.
Adnan Huseyn, founder of re:Azerbaijan
