Lilit Galstyan raises sham trials in Baku and democratic backsliding in Armenia at OSCE Winter Session

(Horizon Weekly / VIENNA) — ARF Bureau Member and MP of the “Armenia” Parliamentary Faction Lilit Galstyan delivered a pointed address at the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Winter Session, drawing attention to two urgent and deeply concerning developments affecting Armenia.

Galstyan first condemned the life sentences handed down in Baku against Armenian prisoners of war and former Artsakh political leaders, stating that the proceedings “bore no resemblance to even the minimum standards of international law.” She criticized the OSCE for failing to prevent the situation and for what she characterized as indifference to the trials, warning that such inaction undermines trust in international institutions and weakens respect for the rule of law in the region.

Turning to domestic developments, Galstyan raised alarm over democratic regression in Armenia ahead of the 2026 parliamentary elections. She stated that the country no longer meets minimum standards for free and fair competition, citing the collapse of judicial independence and the rise of politically motivated prosecutions.

She further condemned the arrests of opposition figures, civil society activists, and high-ranking clergy, describing them as political prisoners under Council of Europe criteria.

Galstyan also highlighted the unprecedented pressure on the Armenian Apostolic Church, including the Prime Minister’s public demand for the resignation of the Catholicos of All Armenians and legal measures imposed against him, including a travel ban. She characterized these actions as violations of constitutional principles and religious freedom.

Calling on the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly to closely monitor developments, Galstyan urged international actors to defend democratic standards, pluralism, and the rule of law in Armenia.