Former Artsakh Official Challenges Trial Proceedings From Azerbaijani Prison

Davit Babayan, former Foreign Minister of Artsakh, has disputed the legal proceedings against him and other detained Artsakh officials while imprisoned in Azerbaijan. In a message from prison, Babayan characterized his trial as predetermined, alleging that charges lack substantive evidence and that over 95 percent of accusations are fabricated. He cited his life sentence for allegedly attempting to overthrow the Azerbaijani government as an example, stating prosecutors failed to produce supporting evidence. Babayan also reported testimony and case records have been distorted or altered in official documentation, describing the process as "legal apartheid." He stated plans to raise procedural violations before international judicial bodies.

Separately, concerns have emerged regarding damage to the 17th-century St. Harutyun Armenian Church in Hadrut. Activist Alen Ghulyan reported footage suggests the church's cross was removed and inscriptions altered, despite earlier imagery showing the cross intact after 2022.