The next hearings in the fabricated cases against the illegally detained leaders of Artsakh in Azerbaijan are scheduled for January 21 and 27. Photographs of the court proceedings have been released.

On January 17, the first hearing took place in Baku against the detained political and military leaders of Artsakh. Six prosecutors were reportedly present as part of the prosecution team.

The trial, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, also involved judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev at the Baku Military Court. According to APA, translators and lawyers were allegedly provided for the Armenian defendants.

The accused were reportedly informed of their rights and obligations in Armenian.

Azerbaijan claims the case involves 531,000 victims and their representatives.

The trial of former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan has been separated from the main case. APA reports that he has been provided with a lawyer and a Russian translator.

Vardanyan and his lawyer, who is providing contractual legal services, filed two motions. The first motion, which sought to merge his case with those of 15 other officials, was denied. However, the second motion, requesting additional time to review the case materials, was granted, and his lawyer has been given 10 days to examine the documents.

The next court hearing in Vardanyan’s case is set for January 27.

Baku has confirmed the presence of 23 Armenian captives, 17 of whom were taken prisoner during the September 2023 military aggression against Artsakh. These include Ruben Vardanyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan, David Babayan, David Ishkhanyan, and former Artsakh Presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan.

On January 16, Ruben Vardanyan stated that he had not provided any testimony since his detention apart from confirming his name. He asserted that all protocols bearing his signature are falsified and alleged that he, his lawyer, and his translator have faced pressure.