On April 14, the trial of former political and military leaders of Artsakh—including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others—resumed in Baku. The trial is based on politically motivated charges, widely condemned as fabricated.

According to testimony previously given by Artur Abrahamyan, which was presented during the hearing, early protests in Karabakh were led by Arkadi Manucharyan, Zori Balayan, Henrikh Poghosyan, Maksim Babayan, construction department head Roles Aghajanyan, Vladik Sargsyan, and several unidentified individuals, Minval.az reported.

The court session also mentioned former Armenian Presidents Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan, as well as Vazgen Manukyan.

Witness Yuri Jhangiryan reportedly stated that Kocharyan, who at the time worked as a party organizer at the Karabakh silk factory, was an active member of the Armenian “Krunk” organization.

Arkadi Ghukasyan responded to the testimonies by requesting additional time to prepare for the next session. The presiding judge granted the request and assured the court would provide appropriate conditions during the following session.

Later, Arayik Harutyunyan answered several questions, stating that in the 1990s, Robert Kocharyan, Murad Petrosyan, Manuchuryan, and others were leading the demonstrations. He recalled how Azerbaijanis were leaving Stepanakert during 1988–1990.

The next court hearing is scheduled for April 17.