Sham trials of Armenian prisoners continue in Baku

(Horizon Weekly) – Azerbaijan’s military court in Baku resumed its widely denounced proceedings against Armenian hostages on December 4. During the latest session, attorneys representing several of the prisoners argued that the prosecution has failed to present any credible evidence. Davit Ishkhanyan’s lawyer, Aghshin Mammadli, insisted that no conviction can be justified without solid, irrefutable proof and called for Ishkhanyan’s full acquittal. His co-counsel, Elchin Amirov, echoed the same demand.

Lawyers for Lev Balayan, Vafa Mehtiva and Sagi Mammado asserted that nothing in the case file points to criminal behaviour and urged the court to clear their client of all accusations. Similar arguments were raised by Nizami Aliyev, who represents Davit Alaverdyan. Aliyev stressed that his client rejects every allegation and that the prosecution’s claims are unsupported and unreliable.

The attorney for Erik Ghazaryan, Natig Mustafayev, reminded the court that Ghazaryan had turned himself in voluntarily and surrendered his weapon, underscoring the absence of any legal basis for the charges. He too petitioned for an acquittal.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijani state media reported that prosecutors are seeking some of the harshest penalties possible. They have demanded life sentences for former Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan, former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, former Defense Army Commander Levon Mnatsakanyan, former Deputy Commander Davit Manukyan, and ex–National Assembly Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan.

The prosecution has requested 20-year prison terms for former Artsakh Presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan, as well as Madat Babayan and Melikset Pashayian.

Other requested prison terms include 19 years for Garik Martirosyan, 18 years for Davit Alaverdyan, and 17 years for Levon Babayan, while Vasili Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, and Edik Ghazaryan each face proposed sentences of 16 years.

Human rights groups have repeatedly condemned these trials as retaliatory show proceedings designed to criminalize the leadership and defenders of Artsakh rather than deliver justice.