Socialist International expresses outrage at Baku puppet court`s  verdict against military-political leadership of Artsakh

ArmInfo. The Socialist International issued a statement expressing outrage and deep concern over the Baku Military Court's decision to impose lengthy prison terms on 15 Armenian defendants out of 19 Armenian prisoners still in  Azerbaijan, arrested in the context of the former Nagorno-Karabakh  conflict. Statement on the Sentencing of Armenian Detainees in Azerbaijan and the Need for Continued Peace Efforts in the South Caucasus.

The Socialist International expresses its outrage and deep concern on  the decision announced on Thursday 5 February by the Baku Military  Court on long prison sentences for 15 Armenian defendants, out of the  19 Armenian detainees still held in Azerbaijan and arrested in the  context of the former Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

This ruling, which includes five life imprisonment sentences, goes  against the spirit of the efforts for peace and reconciliation.

We are taking note of the fact that the Azerbaijani leadership, by  signing the Washington Declaration, made an important step, allowing  also - for the first time in decades - the transit of cargo from its  territory into Armenia. In January 2026, it released four Armenians  serving prison sentences in Azerbaijan after being arrested in 2020  and 2023.

In this spirit, joining our voice with other international  institutions, we appeal to the Azerbaijani authorities to build  further on the current positive momentum and release all Armenian  detainees in Azerbaijan's custody.

Such a gesture would represent a significant proof of goodwill and  will significantly contribute to stability in South Caucasus.

The exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in  Azerbaijani prisons remains unknown. Experts estimate the number to  be several hundred. Currently, Azerbaijani authorities confirm the  presence of 19 Armenians in their custody. Among those held in  Azerbaijani captivity are eight former and current members of the  military-political leadership of Artsakh. These include former  Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik  Harutyunyan; former Foreign Minister David Babayan; as well as  Parliament Speaker David Ishkhanyan; former Commander of the Artsakh  Defense Army General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David Manukyan; and  former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan.

Today, the Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, David  Babayan, David Ishkhanyan, David Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to  life imprisonment, and Bako Sahakyan and Arkady Ghukasyan to 20 years  in prison on trumped-up charges. The so-called court sentenced the  remaining Artsakh residents to up to 15 years in prison. The verdict  has not yet been announced for philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan, whose  case has been separated into separate proceedings.