Criminal proceedings initiated over actions by Azerbaijan’s political and military leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh remain in the preliminary investigation phase, Armenia’s Investigative Committee confirmed, according to Sputnik Armenia.
A similar update from the committee was issued earlier this spring.
The investigation was launched on September 20, 2023, the day after Azerbaijan’s large-scale military offensive against Artsakh.
On December 12, 2022, Azerbaijani individuals in civilian clothing blocked the Stepanakert–Goris highway, citing environmental concerns. This road served as Artsakh’s primary link to Armenia. Though the blockade ended on April 28, Azerbaijan had already established a checkpoint in the Lachin Corridor on April 23, placing it under full Azerbaijani control. During this period, Artsakh was also cut off from Armenian gas and electricity supplies.
On September 19, 2023, Azerbaijan launched a new, extensive military assault on Nagorno-Karabakh.
According to Artsakh’s Ministry of Defense, “At around 13:00, Azerbaijani forces violated the ceasefire along the entire line of contact, launching rocket and artillery strikes.” This triggered mass displacement of the region’s population to Armenia. Within days, nearly the entire Armenian population had left Artsakh.
According to Armenia’s Migration and Citizenship Service, 115,365 people were forcibly displaced.
