The Azerbaijani prosecutor’s office demands life imprisonment for the captured military and political leadership of Artsakh

During another puppet trial, the Azerbaijani prosecutor’s office demanded life imprisonment for a number of representatives of the military and political leadership of Artsakh.

According to Azerbaijani media reports, the Azerbaijani prosecutor’s office demanded life imprisonment for former Artsakh President Araik Harutyunyan, former commander of the Artsakh Defence Army, Lieutenant General Levon Mnatsakanyan, former deputy commander of the Artsakh Defence Army David Manukyan, former Artsakh parliament speaker David Ishkhanyan, and former Artsakh foreign minister David Babayan.

At the same time, the prosecution demanded that former Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Madat Babayan, who was captured by Azerbaijan, be sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Yesterday, it was also announced that the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) had extended the deadline for providing information about Armenian prisoners in Baku. According to the Armenian Mission for International Legal Affairs, the deadline was extended on 7 November. ‘Accordingly, the relevant information from Azerbaijan must be submitted to the European Court by 18 November this year. For this reason, the Armenian government does not currently have the requested information,’ the mission said. It added that even if the Armenian government provides the information, it may not be made public by the ECHR.

The exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages in Azerbaijani prisons remains unknown. Experts estimate the number to be several hundred. The Azerbaijani authorities currently confirm the detention of 23 Armenians. Among the prisoners are eight former and current members of the military-political leadership of Artsakh. They include former Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, former foreign minister Davit Babayan, parliamentary speaker Davit Ishkhanyan, former commander of the Artsakh Defence Army General Levon Mnatsakanyan, General David Manukyan and former minister of state Ruben Vardanyan.

Main source: armeniatoday.am