Artsakh Officer Calls for Clarity on War Crimes Charges

Davit Manukyan, former deputy commander of the Artsakh Defense Army, issued a statement during ongoing appeals proceedings in Baku addressing charges against 15 Armenian detainees. The defendants face allegations under Azerbaijan's Criminal Code concerning planning and conducting an aggressive war in September 2020. Manukyan stated the defense has presented evidence contesting the allegations, which remain in force. He called on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to publicly clarify Armenia's official position on the accusations, arguing that charges implicating military planning also involve Armenia's political and military leadership. Manukyan expressed concern that Armenian detainees in Baku lack sufficient support from the Armenian government. The brief also covers Azerbaijan's continued promotion of a transport corridor through Armenia's Syunik region and diplomatic developments regarding regional peace negotiations.