Since the bloody Armenian-Azerbaijani border skirmishes, which took place from July 12 to 16, there has been a ceasefire between the hostile Caucasus republics on the border and along the ceasefire line. However, this emotionally charged conflict has spread to other countries in the past two days.
The media in the South Caucasus reported on violent clashes between representatives of the Armenian and Azerbaijani diaspora communities in Belgium, the United States and Russia.
In Los Angeles, representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora were attacked when they gathered for a demonstration in front of the Azerbaijan consulate general. The number of Armenian counter-protesters was significantly larger: According to the police in Los Angeles, 500 Armenian and only 50 Azerbaijani activists were on the scene. The situation quickly escalated. Several Azerbaijanis were injured, some of them had to be hospitalized. In addition, a policeman who was there to ensure local security was attacked. Following these attacks, the US embassy in Baku said the US authorities would take Azerbaijan's consulate general in Los Angeles under increased protection. Police are currently investigating acts of “hate crime” in this case. At least one representative of the local Armenian community who allegedly attacked the police officer has already been arrested.
An even more explosive development was observed in the Belgian capital city of Brussels. There were brutal scenes of violence when dozens of Armenian activists attacked representatives of the Azerbaijani diaspora. There have also been injuries reported on the Azerbaijani side, including a journalist. The Belgian police have already arrested 17 Armenian activists involved in the attacks against Azerbaijanis, the Azerbaijan Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. In London and The Hague, the police intervened preventively. Consequently, major clashes have been avoided.
A violent video from Brussels went viral on Azerbaijani social networks, showing a group of young Armenians brutally beating and insulting an Azerbaijani youth. This provoked angry reactions in Moscow, where a large Azerbaijani community is present. Since July 23, numerous videos showing brutal mutual attacks have been circulating on social media. According to initial media reports, dozens of troublemakers in Russia have already been arrested.
The few “voices of reason” that call for de-escalation, which occasionally emanate from representatives of civil society in Armenia and Azerbaijan, are not heard against the backdrop of the ever-emerging footage portraying violence.
