“Ai Dat” condemned the destruction of Stepanakert Cathedral

The Central Council of the ARF Armenian Dat strongly condemns the destruction of the Holy Astvatsatsin Cathedral in Stepanakert occupied by the Azerbaijani authorities. This action, which takes place on the eve of the 111th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, marks a serious escalation of the systematic elimination of Armenian cultural and spiritual heritage in Artsakh.

“Consecrated in 2019, the temple symbolized the revival of Armenian religious life and the continuity of the local Armenian presence. Its destruction, confirmed by satellite imagery, follows previous attacks on Armenian cultural and religious sites and reflects a more comprehensive and deliberate effort to erase the Armenian historical footprint.

These actions are serious violations of international law and UNESCO’s legal regulations protecting cultural heritage, and also contradict the decisions of the International Court of Justice, which require Azerbaijan to prevent and punish such actions.

The Central Council of the ARF Armenian Dat expressed concern regarding the lack of proper international response. Continued silence risks deepening impunity and undermines prospects for justice and the safe return of displaced Armenians.

The Armenian Dat Central Council calls on the international community to:

♦ Immediately implement independent international monitoring of cultural and religious heritage in the affected areas,

♦ Apply targeted measures to ensure liability for intentional destruction;

♦ To raise the priority of heritage protection within the framework of international engagement around the South Caucasus,

♦ Armenia to take immediate legal and diplomatic steps, including resorting to international judicial mechanisms.

The destruction of cultural heritage is an attack not only against the identity of any nation, but also against the universal heritage of humanity and requires a quick and principled international response,” the message states.

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