YEREVAN, MARCH 19, ARMENPRESS. Regardless of Azerbaijan's attempts to accuse Armenians of aggression and Islamophobia, the facts, validated by international organizations, reveal a different reality, “Geghard” scientific analytical foundation said in a statement.

“To conceal its policy of genocide and hatred towards Armenians, the Republic of Azerbaijan introduces fake and fabricated theses to portray Armenia and Armenians to the international community as violent, xenophobic, and aggressive.

“One of the manifestations of that policy is the speech of Parvana Veliyeva, an Azerbaijani political activist and propagandist, at the event dedicated to the International Day to Combat Islamophobia held on March 15. Speaking about the "forcible deportation of 300,000 Azerbaijanis from Armenia in 1987-1991", "destruction of Islamic cultural heritage", Veliyeva accused Armenia of Islamophobia.

“It is noteworthy that Azeris departed from Soviet Armenia voluntarily and without facing violence, even managing to sell their property and possessions without obstruction. However, the same cannot be said for the 500,000 Armenians in Sumgait, Baku, Gandzak, and other locations, who barely escaped to save their lives.

“Ironically, Baku accuses Armenia and Armenians of Islamophobia. While Christian Armenians demonstrated solidarity with other religions, including Islam, and have renovated their shrines, the opposite is occurring in Islamic Azerbaijan. Mosques are not just destroyed in Azerbaijan; believers also endure severe limitations and persecution, with hundreds of them being imprisoned due to their faith. Baku even resorts to special operations against its people. A notable illustration of Baku's treatment of Islam and its adherents is the murders and arrests that occurred during a special operation in Nardaran town in 2015.

“Aliyev's regime, advocating Islamic solidarity, has avoided a clear position on Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of civilians over several months.

“Regardless of Azerbaijan's attempts to accuse Armenians of aggression and Islamophobia, the facts, validated by international organizations, reveal a different reality that Baku persistently tries to conceal,” the statement reads.