Ombudswoman speaks after meeting Armenian football players detained for mocking flag of Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani Ombudswoman Sabina Aliyeva spoke about the meeting with Armenian football players detained for disrespecting the flag of Azerbaijan, Trend reports.

Azerbaijan, as always, complies with all norms and principles, commitments undertaken and acts accordingly, the Ombudswoman said.

"The detained Armenian footballers said they regretted their actions and expressed deep gratitude to the Azerbaijani government. According to them, they were forced to commit this act by the club management and coaches. This is another clear evidence of Azerbaijanophobic policy. We always draw the attention of our colleagues to this. Unfortunately, such cases still occur," the Ombudswoman said.

On August 28, three Armenians were detained at the Lachin checkpoint, who insulted the Azerbaijani flag earlier.

In 2021, video recordings showing Armenian football players committing insulting actions against the Azerbaijani State Flag were disseminated in some media outlets and on various pages on social networks.

In this connection, the General Prosecutor of Azerbaijan initiated a criminal case under Articles 283.2.3 (incitement of national, racial, social, or religious hatred and enmity committed by an organised group) and 324 (insulting actions against the State Flag or the State Emblem of Azerbaijan) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the investigation of this case was entrusted to the Investigation Department of the Prosecutor's Office.