Two separate trials against Nagorno-Karabakh Armenian leaders will begin in Baku on Friday.
Ruben Vardanyan, the former prime minister of the internationally unrecognized Republic of Artsakh, will be tried separately.
He is accused of terrorism, crimes against humanity and crimes against the state of Azerbaijan.
Another 15 former politicians of Nagorno-Karabakh will be tried in the second trial, including the last president of the self-proclaimed republic, Arajik Harutyunyan.
Human rights defenders criticize these trials as politically motivated mock trials.
Nagorno-Karabakh, which was part of the Azerbaijan SSR during the USSR, existed as a “de facto” independent Armenian republic since the early 1990s.
Although Azerbaijan did not control Nagorno-Karabakh since the collapse of the USSR, it considered the Armenian-populated region as its territory.
The international community also recognized Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, and no country recognized the region’s independence.
In September 2023, Azerbaijan regained control of the disputed territory in a blitzkrieg military operation that sent virtually all of Nagorno-Karabakh’s 120,000 residents fleeing to Armenia.
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How might these trials impact the broader geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus?
Interview with Dr. Anahit Khachatryan, international Human Rights Lawyer and Expert on Post-Conflict JusticeArchyde: Dr. Khachatryan, thank you for joining us today. Could you provide our readers with some context on the trials of Ruben Vardanyan and other Nagorno-Karabakh leaders in Baku?
Dr. Khachatryan: Certainly. The trials of Ruben Vardanyan, the former prime minister of the self-proclaimed Republic of Artsakh, and 15 other Nagorno-Karabakh leaders, are taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan. Vardanyan is being tried separately on charges of terrorism, crimes against humanity, and crimes against the state of azerbaijan. The second trial involves figures like Arajik Harutyunyan, the last president of Artsakh.
These trials are unfolding against the backdrop of the decades-long conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh,a region internationally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but populated predominantly by ethnic Armenians until Azerbaijan regained control in 2023. The charges against these leaders are highly contentious, and the trials have raised notable concerns about due process and human rights.
Archyde: What are the key legal and humanitarian issues at stake in these trials?
Dr. Khachatryan: There are several critical issues. First, the charges of terrorism and crimes against humanity are extremely serious and carry significant international legal weight.However,the evidence supporting these charges must be rigorously scrutinized to ensure they are not politically motivated.
Second, there have been allegations of mistreatment, including torture, against detainees like Vardanyan. These claims, if proven true, would constitute a violation of international human rights law, including the prohibition of torture under the UN Convention Against Torture.
Third, the trials must adhere to international standards of fairness, including the right to a speedy trial, access to legal representation, and the presumption of innocence.Reports of delays and procedural irregularities raise concerns about whether these standards are being met.
Archyde: How might these trials impact the broader geopolitical landscape in the South Caucasus?
Dr. Khachatryan: These trials are deeply symbolic and could have far-reaching implications. On one hand, they may be seen as Azerbaijan’s attempt to assert its sovereignty over Nagorno-Karabakh and hold those it perceives as responsible for the conflict accountable. On the other hand, they risk exacerbating tensions with Armenia and the Armenian diaspora, especially if the trials are perceived as unjust or politically motivated.
Moreover, the international community is closely watching these proceedings. If the trials are seen as fair and clear, they could contribute to post-conflict reconciliation. Though, if they are perceived as a form of retribution, they could undermine efforts to build lasting peace in the region.
Archyde: What role should the international community play in ensuring justice and accountability in this context?
Dr. Khachatryan: The international community has a crucial role to play. First, international organizations like the United Nations and the European Union should monitor the trials closely to ensure they meet international legal standards. Independent observers and human rights organizations should be granted access to the proceedings and to the detainees.
Second, there should be a call for clarity and accountability from both Azerbaijan and Armenia. This includes addressing allegations of mistreatment and ensuring that any prosecutions are based on credible evidence, not political considerations.
the international community should support initiatives for dialogue and reconciliation between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Lasting peace in the region will require not just legal accountability but also efforts to address the root causes of the conflict and build trust between the two sides.
Archyde: thank you, Dr.Khachatryan, for your insights. This is undoubtedly a complex and sensitive issue, and your expertise has been invaluable in helping our readers understand the broader implications.
Dr. Khachatryan: Thank you for having me. It’s essential to continue shedding light on these developments, as they have profound consequences for justice, peace, and human rights in the south Caucasus.
