ICJ: Trials of Artsakh leaders in Baku "fell short of the guarantees  of fairness and equality of arms required under international human  rights law"

ArmInfo.  A new report by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) found that the trials of Artsakh leaders in Baku "fell short of the guarantees of fairness and equality of arms required under international human rights law".

The report, titled "Justice Under Pressure: Independence of Lawyers  and the Right to a Fair Trial in Azerbaijan", states that defendants  were tried before a military court, denied effective access to  counsel of their choosing, faced inadequate interpretation, and were  provided case materials in a language they did not understand. The  ICJ also noted that hearings were held largely behind closed doors,  with international observers, foreign media and family members denied  access.

Regarding Ruben Vardanyan, the report raised concerns over charges  linked to 1988, noting that he "held no political position at the  time the charges relate to".

For details follow the link: 

https://www.icj.org/wpcontent/uploads/2026/05/Azerbaijan_ICJ_report_final_eng.pdf?fbclid=IwY2xjawR497 JleHRuA 2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF1V3VqbUVzMWFBZUFmazh0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MT  c4ODIwMDg5MgABHoucwIGVgY3atO1I6W7ecVox0bIs7ZwG6HoULrJZR1YgJKrfd38fqRU  PX7M1_aem_nEE6mKAWS7kdqIIe9qL9ww

The exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in  Azerbaijani prisons remains unknown.  Experts estimate the number to  be several hundred. Currently, Azerbaijani authorities confirm the  presence of 19 Armenians in their custody. Among those held in  Azerbaijani captivity are eight former and current members of the  military-political leadership of Artsakh. These include former  Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik  Harutyunyan; former Foreign Minister David Babayan; as well as  Parliament Speaker David Ishkhanyan; former Commander of the Artsakh  Defense Army General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David Manukyan; and  former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan.

In February, a Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, David  Babayan, David Ishkhanyan, David Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to  life imprisonment, and Bako Sahakyan, Arkady Ghukasyan, and Ruben  Vardanyan to 20 years in prison on trumped-up charges. The so-called  court sentenced the remaining Artsakh residents to up to 15 years in  prison.