Armenian lawyer says Baku trials aim to delegitimize Artsakh

Trials underway in Baku against Armenian prisoners and political detainees are intended to delegitimize Artsakh and serve as a show punishment, an Armenian lawyer said on Saturday.

Siranush Sahakyan, head of the Center for International and Comparative Law and legal representative for Armenian captives at the European Court of Human Rights, told reporters that the proceedings were directly tied to Artsakh’s right to self‑determination and its Armenian identity.

“The purpose of the trials in Baku is the delegitimization of Artsakh as a political entity and the demonstrative punishment of all Armenians who have acted in favor of Artsakh,” Sahakyan said.

She pointed out that the hearings have been conducted behind closed doors and lacked transparency. According to Sahakyan, more than 150 court sessions have been held, but no concrete evidence or proven acts were presented.

“The allegations remained unproven,” she said, describing the process as unlawful and politically motivated.