Another Act of Vandalism in Occupied Artsakh

Once again, with deep sorrow, we witness the desecration of one of Artsakh's sanctuaries by Azerbaijanis. In a deplorable act, a masked individual was seen mockingly seated on the throne of the Holy Mother of God Cathedral in Stepanakert.

Such acts of disrespect are not new or unexpected, as they have never concealed their hatred for our sacred sites, spiritual monuments, and cultural heritage. Whenever given the opportunity, they reveal their inherent nomadic and looting nature. What pains us the most is our powerlessness in the face of such acts. Beyond expressing outrage verbally, we have no means to respond or prevent such incidents of vandalism. This is an insult to our Church, every Armenian, and our state, which should stand as the guarantor of Armenian dignity. We hope that the relevant authorities will draw appropriate conclusions and take necessary measures to ensure the proper preservation of Artsakh's ancient and modern sanctuaries and cultural heritage. If we do not recognize our true values, no one else will understand or respect us.

Azerbaijan continues its destructive policy, targeting the monasteries, churches, khachkars, and other structures in occupied Artsakh::

• The 50-meter illuminated cross near Dashushen village, close to Stepanakert, has been demolished.
  

  

  

  
  

• Renovation and fencing works are being carried out at St. Grigor and St. Sarkis Churches in Tsar village, Karvachar district. The cross of St. Sarkis Church and one of the inscribed stones have been removed, and fragments of khachkars are missing.
  

  

  

  
  
• The Holy Mother of God Church in Khramort village, Askeran district, is being used as a warehouse for various items, especially plastic bottles.
  

  

  

  
  

• The khachkar-monument in the Aghanus settlement of Kashatagh district, dedicated to the memory of Tigran Abrahamyan and his comrades who perished in the Omar Pass, has been destroyed.