01/16/2021 Nagorno-Karabakh (International Christian Concern) – Local media reports that on January 13, relatives identified the body of 58-year-old Alvard Tovmasyan, found dead in the yard of her home in Karin Tak, a village of Nagorno-Karabakh (Armenian: Artsakh). Relatives left the village on October 29, while Tovmasyan stayed behind. Azeri forces later captured the village and following the ceasefire agreement she was reported missing.
When Tovmasyan’s body was discovered, it had been mutilated nearly beyond recognition. Her brother Samvel only recognized her by her clothing. Relatives also reported that Tomasyan’s feet, hands and ears had been cut off as part of her torture. These types of atrocities are reminiscent of those committed during previous pogroms and genocides against the Armenian Christian community.
Tomasyan is one of many Armenians who were killed needlessly at the hands of Azeri forces in the Nagorno-Karabakh region. Azerbaijan’s dehumanization of Armenian Christians is also influenced by Turkey. It is a combination which builds concern for the remaining Armenian Christian community in Nagorno-Karabakh.