Azerbaijan brutally destroys victory monuments in Artsakh

Azerbaijan’s authorities are systematically destroying monuments in occupied Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), especially those symbolizing Armenian victories, Artsakh Cultural Heritage Ombudsman Hovik Avanesov warns.

In an interview with Panorama.am on Saturday, Avanesov, who serves at the Institute of History at the Armenian National Academy of Sciences, stated that Azerbaijan’s state-run media outlets have disclosed the government’s plans to dismantle all monuments erected in Artsakh from the 1990s through 2023.

“Whether commemorating the Great Patriotic War or the Artsakh wars, including khachkars [cross-stones], busts and statues, these monuments are being targeted with exceptional brutality,” he stated.

“They are being destroyed with particular cruelty because they embody the spirit of victory,” Avanesov said. “Yet, no matter how many memorials are demolished, the symbol of victory will live on in our hearts and minds. We will continue to speak about it.”