Show trials of Armenian prisoners in Baku enter final stage, MP says

The sham trials of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan have entered the final stage, opposition lawmaker Tigran Abrahamyanm says.

In a social media post on Saturday, Abrahamyan, secretary of the Pativ Unem faction, stressed that prosecutors were seeking lengthy prison sentences for all Armenian captives, including former Artsakh leaders.

“Predictably, the prosecutors have demanded severe punishments,” he wrote. “At the same time, it is clear that the process is completely political and the further course of events, regardless of the sentences, could take a different turn.”

Abrahamyan said those on trial do not recognize their guilt and have attempted to present their positions despite severely limited opportunities throughout the proceedings.

He also criticized the Armenian government’s response, saying Yerevan had confined itself to “purely symbolic steps and statements”. According to the opposition MP, the outcome of the cases now largely depends on pressure from the international community and the political will of global actors.

 “Freedom to all Armenians imprisoned in Baku,” he concluded.