Former State Minister of Artsakh Artak Beglaryan reflected on the tragic explosion at a fuel depot near Stepanakert on September 25, 2023, calling it a moment of “hell” for the people of Artsakh.
“The explosion that killed 219 people, left 22–23 missing, and injured around 300 others, was a disaster of global proportions, on top of Azerbaijan’s terror and the genocidal conditions of forced displacement,” he wrote.
Beglaryan argued that normal Armenian authorities would have recognized the people of Artsakh as victims of genocide or ethnic cleansing. “These families are likely the most neglected and wounded part of the Artsakh population,” he said, emphasizing their deep psychological trauma and the loss of primary breadwinners. He noted they have received no special status or support in Armenia, and no progress has been made in clarifying the fate of the missing.
He accused officials of being fully aware of these problems but choosing to ignore them, thereby deepening people’s suffering.
Beglaryan outlined steps he believes the Armenian government should have taken:
- Grant all victims official status either as casualties of the explosion or victims of genocide/ethnic cleansing. The same should apply to the wounded.
- Ensure proper and continuous social guarantees and healthcare for affected families.
- Take real steps to determine the fate of the missing by investigating all plausible scenarios, especially those provided by relatives.
- Conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the explosion to identify those responsible.
The explosion occurred during the mass exodus from Artsakh on September 25, 2023, killing 218, injuring 120, and leaving 21 missing.
