The Office of the Human Rights Defender (HRD) has received deeply troubling reports concerning Azerbaijani information warfare tactics aimed at the civilian population of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabakh).

Azerbaijani Telegram channels have been found to promote and incite violence against missing persons in Artsakh, encouraging acts of harm, torture, and sexual violence, with some even offering monetary rewards for these actions. Disturbingly, many relatives of missing individuals, who are already grappling with psychological distress, have reported that they are being intimidated and threatened by Azerbaijan through phone calls and text messages.

These actions reflect a disturbing level of animosity against Armenians and international norms, underscoring concerns about the safety of the civilian population should it fall under Azerbaijani control.