Protesters blocked off a major freeway in California with a semi-truck and other cars, causing a massive traffic backup in an attempt to pressure U.S. officials to intervene in a conflict involving Armenia.
Azerbaijan has blockaded a section of the Lachin Corridor after a series of clashes with Armenia. The blockade of good, humanitarian aid and basic supplies has starved out the region, which is the only link between Armenia and a breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Protesters tried to catch the attention of Democrat Rep. Adam Schiff of California with large signs reading, “Adam Schiff Don’t Ignore Us” and “Open the Road to Life.”
Schiff issued a statement opposing the blockade on Monday.
“I stand with the people of Armenia, Artsakh, and the Armenian-American community – not only my constituents but those around the world. I hear and see your pain over the inhumane situation your brothers and sisters are facing,” wrote Schiff.
“From condemning ceasefire violations, to advocating for the release of Armenian prisoners of war, to calling for sanctions and accountability for Azerbaijan, I’ve always been, and will continue to be, steadfast in my commitment to ensuring the protection of fundamental rights for the people of Artsakh,” he added.
He added that he has urged President Joe Biden to “take immediate action” to address the crisis in Artsakh.
Critics of the blockade accuse Azerbaijan of starving out over 120,000 people in the Nagorno-Karabakh region.
A former chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said that Azerbaijan is effectively committing genocide against the Armenian people in the affected region.
“There are no crematories and there are no machete attacks. Starvation is the invisible genocide weapon. Without immediate dramatic change, this group of Armenians will be destroyed in a few weeks,” said Luis Moreno Ocampo in the report issued Tuesday.
Here’s a local news report about the incident:
Protestors use cars, big rig to block 134 Freeway in Glendalewww.youtube.com
Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!