Artsakh leaders' appeals reviewed in Baku court

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Baku Court of Appeal on June 30 continued reviewing the appeals filed by former Nagorno-Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan, former presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan, parliament speaker Davit Ishkhanyan, former foreign minister Davit Babayan, former Defense Army commander Levon Mnatsakanyan and other defendants.

At the start of the hearing, the court announced that one of the lawyers representing Madat Babayan and one of the lawyers representing Davit Babayan were unable to attend due to health issues. In accordance with legal requirements, new state-appointed defense attorneys were assigned, APA reported.

Davit Ishkhanyan told the court that he wished to present comments he had prepared after reviewing the hearing transcripts.

The court responded that, because the comments had not been submitted in Azerbaijani, they would have to be translated before being accepted. It also stated that the comments must be submitted in writing, not orally, and in Azerbaijani. After translation, copies would also have to be provided to the prosecution to ensure equality of the parties in the adversarial process.

Ishkhanyan asked the court to allow him to transfer his comments to an interpreter. The presiding judge said he would be given that opportunity.

Davit Babayan then requested time to meet with his newly appointed lawyer.

The hearing then continued with defense arguments supporting the appeals.

The lawyer for defendant Davit Alaverdyan asked the court to acquit his client. Alaverdyan said he supported the appeal submitted by his lawyer and agreed with its arguments.

The defense lawyer for Melikset Pashayan also asked the court to overturn the guilty verdict issued against his client on February 5, 2026, and acquit him. Pashayan said he supported his lawyer's position and did not admit guilt.

The lawyer representing Davit Ishkhanyan likewise requested that the court overturn the February 5, 2026 verdict and acquit his client.

The hearing resumed after a recess.

Speaking again, Ishkhanyan asked the court to attach copies of his appeal and petition to the case file. He also reiterated that he rejected the charges against him.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 3.

The Baku court sentenced Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison.

Former Nagorno-Karabakh President Arayik Harutyunyan was sentenced to life imprisonment. Life sentences were also imposed on former Defense Army commander Levon Mnatsakanyan, former first deputy commander Davit Manukyan, former foreign minister Davit Babayan and parliament speaker Davit Ishkhanyan. Former presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan were sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Madat Babayan and Melikset Pashayan were sentenced to 19 years in prison, Garik Martirosyan to 18 years, Davit Alaverdyan and Levon Balayan to 16 years, and Erik Ghazaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan and Vasily Beglaryan to 15 years.