Lawyer says imbalance in talks undermines efforts to free Armenian prisoners held in Baku

Armenian human rights lawyer Siranush Sahakyan stresses the trials of Artsakh’s military and political leaders held in Baku are “entirely performative” and reflect a broader imbalance in negotiations between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

Speaking to Panorama.am on Wednesday, Sahakyan, who heads the International and Comparative Law Center, said Azerbaijani prosecutors have sought life sentences for nearly all former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh, except two former presidents who are over 65 and thus exempt from life imprisonment under Azerbaijani law. She said prosecutors have instead requested 20-year terms for them, the harshest available alternative.

Sahakyan argued that the heavy sentences are symbolic, aimed at portraying the Nagorno-Karabakh independence declaration as a punishable act. “In essence, the courts in Baku treated these cases as a judgment on Artsakh’s right to self-determination,” she said, adding that Azerbaijan appeared intent on signaling that “the page of self-determination is closed”.

The lawyer said convictions and long sentences were inevitable, as Azerbaijani courts, particularly military courts overseeing cases involving Armenians, do not operate independently. “These institutions function as political tools, especially when dealing with dissent or issues related to Armenians,” she said.

Sahakyan stressed that Armenian civil society must continue documenting procedural violations and bringing cases before international bodies to challenge the legitimacy of the trials.

Commenting on the role of the Armenian government, she said its legal efforts have been weakened by political pressure. “Negotiations are not taking place between equals and this imbalance affects outcomes,” she said. “Armenia remains under constant threats and pressure.”

On prospects for the release of Armenian prisoners, Sahakyan said progress would depend on the implementation of the U.S.-facilitated peace framework. She argued that Washington has both the tools and a moral responsibility to press Baku on humanitarian issues. “If concrete steps are taken toward fulfilling the agreement, I believe Azerbaijan will release some detainees in parallel,” she said.