Artsakh’s former leaders reject charges as Baku trial continues

(Horizon Weekly) – Fake proceedings in Baku against former political and military leaders of Artsakh continued on December 25, as a part of the politically motivated show trial built on fabricated accusations.

Former Artsakh Defense Army commander Levon Mnatsakanyan delivered his final statement to the court, categorically rejecting all charges brought against him. According to Azerbaijan’s state news agency Azertag, Mnatsakanyan declared that he fully denies the accusations and withdrew all testimonies given during the preliminary investigation, asking the court to consider only the statements made during the trial hearings. He submitted a 51-page written version of his three-day address and requested that it be entered into the official record.

Former Artsakh president Arkadi Ghukasyan then addressed the court, dismissing the prosecution’s claims and presenting counterarguments. Ghukasyan stated that his professional work at the Soviet-era Karabakh newspaper had been falsely portrayed as criminal activity, stressing that his role as a journalist could not constitute a crime. He also noted that he left active political life in 2007 and did not return to it thereafter.

The final statement of the day was delivered by former Artsakh president Bako Sahakyan, who likewise rejected the accusations. He denied the existence of any criminal structure, stating that “there was no criminal organization, nor could there be.”

The trial is scheduled to resume on December 26.

According to Azerbaijani media reports, prosecutors are seeking 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 former National Assembly speaker Davit Ishkhanyan. Twenty-year prison sentences have reportedly been requested for former presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan, as well as Madat Babayan and Melikset Pashayev. Other detainees face requested sentences ranging from 16 to 19 years, including Garik Martirosyan, Davit Alaverdyan, Levon Babayan, Vasil Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, and Edik Ghazaryan.