Armenia Detains Former Finance Minister; Artsakh Prisoners Isolated

Armenia's Anti-Corruption Court has ordered former Finance Minister Gagik Khachatryan held in pretrial detention for two months on charges of large-scale bribery and money laundering. Video footage of his arrest on September 1 showed the 71-year-old being removed from his home on a stretcher while in apparent physical distress, sparking criticism from lawmakers and human rights advocates who questioned whether authorities properly accommodated his documented spinal complications and health conditions.

Meanwhile, the situation for Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan has deteriorated. Approximately 20 Armenians remain imprisoned in Baku with severely limited independent access. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which facilitated family contact and monitored detainee conditions, ended operations in Azerbaijan in September 2025 at Baku's request. Families report serious health problems among some detainees, but outside verification is impossible. Yerevan has reportedly approached a neutral third country about arranging consular visits.