The trial of former Artsakh leaders continues in Baku’s military court, where they face grave faked-up accusations.

During the session, the court is expected to review a motion to replace their detention with house arrest as a preventive measure.

On January 27, the separate trial of former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan also resumed. His case has been separated from the main proceedings and is being handled independently.

According to reports from January 17, during a preliminary hearing, Vardanyan’s personal details were confirmed, and he was provided with a defense attorney and a Russian-language translator, APA reports.

The court granted a motion allowing ten days for familiarization with the case materials.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has alleged that former Artsakh political and military leaders detained in Baku are being administered psychotropic substances. He added that this claim is backed by intelligence reports and suggested that the intent is to provoke escalation. Baku has denied these allegations.

In September 2023, following a nine-month blockade of Artsakh and the ethnic cleansing of its entire Armenian population, Azerbaijan detained former Artsakh Presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan, along with former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, and several other officials. The fabricated charges against them could result in life sentences. The first court session regarding these cases was held on January 17 in Baku.

In a message on January 16, Ruben Vardanyan stated that since his arrest, he has not provided any testimony other than confirming his name. He emphasized that all protocols bearing his signature are falsified and claimed that he, his lawyer, and his translator have been subjected to pressure.