大象传媒

Armenia says more than 65,000 people have now arrived there from the disputed territory of Nagorno-Karabakh, since Azerbaijan mounted its offensive on the enclave earlier this month. Among those attempting to flee, was the businessman and separatist leader, Ruben Vardanyan, before he was arrested by Azerbaijan's border service. Those fleeing are predominantly ethnic Armenians and despite Azerbaijan's insistence that their rights will continue to be respected, entire families are making the decision to leave together. Lilit Shahverdyan is in Armenia where she has been studying and her family is joining her from Nagorno-Karabakh. She told Newsday that her family is '' taking with them just the most important documents and things that give memories because it's impossible for them to stay in the enclave; it's not safe, they can be arrested for no reason and no-one will return.'' They had been living though a blockade she explained for the last nine months with '' no electricity or gas, no freedom of movement and all their rights were violated.'' Lily meanwhile felt guilt because of her more normal existence in Armenia and she can't wait to see her parents again.

Photo of Armenian woman, Lilit Shahverdyan, Aug 24, 2023

(seen by Rosie Bartlett)