ArmInfo. The show trial against 16 Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Baku, first of all, insults the national dignity of Armenians. This is stated in the statement of the Artsakh Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church.
"Regardless of political views and personal convictions, we must realize that the military-political leadership of Artsakh and all the hostages are accused primarily of acting in the interests of the independence and Armenians of Artsakh. This fabricated trial, first of all, insults our national dignity," the diocese noted.
The Artsakh Diocese drew attention to the fact that this trial pursues exclusively political goals and serves as another indicator of the behavior dictated by the political leadership of Baku, contrary to fundamental human rights and internationally recognized norms regarding prisoners.
In addition, the statement notes that in the context of the obvious ineffectiveness of the efforts of the political elite of Armenia and the determination of the Azerbaijani authorities, it is necessary to demonstrate unity and determination in the name of protecting a fair trial for the Armenian hostages.
"We invite you to ask the Almighty God to open the doors of his justice and mercy for our nation, as well as to give strength to our compatriots in captivity to overcome these difficult trials and persecutions," the conclusion says.
Today, January 17, under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, the Baku Military Court will consider the "indictment" against the former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh. Among the accused are three former presidents of Nagorno-Karabakh: Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan and Arayik Harutyunyan. Also appearing before the court will be former Foreign Minister David Babayan, Parliament Speaker David Ishkhanyan, former Defense Army Commander General Levon Mnatsakanyan, General David Manukyan and former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan.
The day before, Vardanyan made a statement in which he demanded that he and his lawyer be given the opportunity to fully prepare for their defense; that all violations and falsifications be eliminated; that his trial and that of all the other defendants be made public. "I insist on a maximally open trial with the participation of international journalists and representatives of humanitarian organizations. I am convinced that only a real court, not a trial, will help take a step forward on the difficult path of building new relations between our peoples," he emphasized. In conclusion, he demanded that his case be combined with the cases of the other defendants. "More than 400 volumes of my case out of 422 are episodes of a common case. Separating my case into a separate proceeding is an artificial and unfounded decision," Vardanyan added.