Citizens in Stepanakert Protect Memorial Photos of Fallen Heroes Amidst Fear of Azeri Desecration
![Stepanakert Protect Memorial](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8f77e4_82fd86ab7ecd4ed2bb87dbab1e601c07~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_760,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/8f77e4_82fd86ab7ecd4ed2bb87dbab1e601c07~mv2.jpg)
Residents of Stepanakert have taken the heartbreaking step of removing memorial photos from the city's heroes' memorial board, fearing potential desecration by Azerbaijani forces. These acts of preservation underscore the ongoing tensions and anxiety that have gripped the people of Artsakh since Azerbaijan's recent large-scale attack on Nagorno-Karabakh.
![Stepanakert Protect Memorial / Mary Asatryan](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8f77e4_d567b9049d8a4849a6e7b973808e82fa~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/8f77e4_d567b9049d8a4849a6e7b973808e82fa~mv2.jpg)
The heroes' memorial board, situated in Renaissance Square in Stepanakert, has long served as a place of remembrance for those who lost their lives during the 44-day war in 2020. However, in recent days, images of citizens carefully taking down photographs of their deceased relatives have circulated on social networks.
![Stepanakert Protect Memorial / Mary Asatryan](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8f77e4_36b4a32796654795b662a458874cc5b7~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/8f77e4_36b4a32796654795b662a458874cc5b7~mv2.jpg)
The residents' actions are rooted in a deep-seated fear that Azerbaijani forces may desecrate these cherished mementos if they enter the city. Azerbaijan’s display of ongoing Armenophobia has been marred by instances of vandalism and destruction of cultural and memorial sites, intensifying concerns among the population.
![Stepanakert Protect Memorial / Mary Asatryan](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/8f77e4_b16cc139cc164fe1b6628f5abedf6b37~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_1307,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/8f77e4_b16cc139cc164fe1b6628f5abedf6b37~mv2.jpg)
The recent escalation of hostilities began when Azerbaijan launched a large-scale attack on Artsakh, resulting in the tragic loss of more than 200 lives and leaving over 400 individuals wounded. Despite the severity of these actions, Azerbaijani officials have referred to them as "local antiterrorist measures," adding to the complexities of the situation.
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