Appeal hearings continue for Armenian detainees in Baku

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Baku Court of Appeal has completed hearing statements from the defendants and their lawyers in the appeals filed by former Artsakh officials and other Armenian detainees. The next hearing is scheduled for July 21.

On July 17, the Baku Court of Appeal resumed consideration of appeals submitted by former Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan, former presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan, National Assembly Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan, former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, former Defense Army Commander Levon Mnatsakanyan and others.

The first to address the court was the lawyer for Madat Babayan, who was convicted in what the defense describes as a fabricated case. According to APA, the attorney requested that the court overturn the February 5, 2026 verdict and acquit his client.

Madat Babayan then addressed the court himself, saying he fully supported his lawyer's position and did not admit guilt.

The court subsequently heard arguments from Arayik Harutyunyan's lawyer, who outlined the legal grounds for the appeal. Defense teams representing Davit Ishkhanyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan and Davit Manukyan also submitted a number of motions.

With those statements, presentations by the defendants, their lawyers and legal representatives came to an end.

Following a recess, the court announced its rulings, partially granting the motions submitted by the defense.

The next hearing has been scheduled for July 21.

Madat Babayan (born in 1952) is a resident of Getavan village in the Martakert district of Artsakh. He was detained by Azerbaijani armed forces in September 2023 and, in February 2026, was sentenced by a Baku court to 19 years in prison.

Under the February 5, 2026 ruling of the Baku Military Court, Arayik Harutyunyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, Davit Manukyan, Davit Ishkhanyan and Davit Babayan were sentenced to life imprisonment. Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan received 20-year prison terms; Madat Babayan and Melikset Pashayan were sentenced to 19 years; Garik Martirosyan to 18 years; Davit Allahverdyan and Levon Balayan to 16 years; and Vasiliy Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan and Erik Ghazaryan to 15 years.