Former leaders of self-proclaimed Karabakh administration stand trial in Azerbaijan

​​​​​​​By Ruslan Rehimov

BAKU (AA) - Azerbaijan commenced legal proceedings Friday against 15 former political and military leaders of the self-proclaimed Armenian administration in Karabakh.

The defendants were identified at the Baku Military Court and informed of their rights, including former “presidents” Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan and “parliament speaker” Davit Ishkhanyan.

They face charges including war crimes, genocide, terrorism, forced displacement and constitutional overthrow attempts.

Harutyunyan expressed regret about a prior statement linked to a 2020 missile attack on Ganja, apologizing for the attack.

The session was adjourned to Jan. 21 after initial proceedings.

- Ruben Vardanyan’s case postponed

In a separate hearing, former “state minister” Ruben Vardanyan appeared in court to face charges of “financing terrorism” and “supporting illegal armed groups.”

His lawyer requested a case consolidation and additional time, with the court granting a 10-day extension. Vardanyan’s next hearing is scheduled for Jan. 27.

The arrests follow Azerbaijan’s anti-terror operation on Sept. 19, 2023, which dismantled the self-proclaimed administration in Karabakh.

*Writing by Alperen Aktas from Istanbul