Civil Society Calls for Release of Artsakh Activist in Armenia
The Region in Brief
Armenian civil society organizations have appealed to the Council of Europe and international bodies over the arrest of Arthur Osipyan, an Artsakh activist, citing concerns that criminal proceedings against him may be politically motivated. Osipyan was detained following a May confrontation with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan at a campaign event in Yerevan. He is currently on hunger strike in two months of pretrial detention with restricted communication privileges. Human rights groups say the case raises questions about democratic freedoms and freedom of expression in Armenia.
Separately, in Artsakh, the Baku Court of Appeal continued proceedings for former Armenian political and military leaders held in Azerbaijan. The court partially granted defense motions regarding witness testimony and appeals clarification, with hearings resuming June 9.
Meanwhile, Artsakh's cultural heritage ombudsman warned of risks to St. Astvatsatsin Church in Shushi, citing large-scale construction activity in its vicinity without international oversight between October 2025 and May 2026.
