Appeals Continue for Former Artsakh Leaders in Baku
The Region in Brief
Appeal proceedings continued in Baku this week for former Artsakh political and military leaders convicted by the Baku Military Court in February. Prosecutors asked the Court of Appeal to uphold sentences, while defense lawyers for former presidents Arayik Harutyunyan and Bako Sahakyan sought acquittals. Harutyunyan maintained he did not recognize the charges; Sahakyan will present his rebuttal at a July 31 hearing.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyers expressed concern about Armenian prisoners' physical condition in Azerbaijani custody, citing credible reports of serious injuries including fractures. Particular concern surrounds prisoner of war Ludvig Mkrtchyan, 56, held since 2020, whose family reports he lost consciousness and underwent cardiac examination last month but has received no diagnosis.
In Armenia, prosecutors approved an indictment against Catholicos Karekin II and six senior church members, escalating the government's confrontation with church leadership over enforcement of a court order regarding former Bishop Gevorg Saroyan.
