The ongoing trials of Armenian detainees in Baku are being conducted behind closed doors, with international independent experts, observers, and even diplomatic representatives denied access. Attempts to attend these proceedings are reportedly met with intimidation and persecution, according to Siranush Sahakyan, head of the Center for International and Comparative Law and a recognized expert in international law.
In an interview with Azatutyun, Sahakyan refrained from disclosing the identities of the individuals or organizations affected, citing concerns for their safety and the potential for further targeting. However, she did not exclude the possibility of future disclosures.
“Those attempting to attend the trials have been interrogated, followed, and subjected to various forms of pressure and intimidation. These are not merely procedural restrictions — we’re seeing behavior that amounts to persecution of anyone trying to witness what are formally described as ‘open trials,’” Sahakyan stated.
She explained that access to these court hearings is tightly controlled. Attendance is subject to prior registration, names must be vetted and approved by Azerbaijani state authorities, and any information shared with attendees is filtered and manipulated. Independent third parties are effectively barred from observing the judicial process.
During recent sessions in Baku’s military court, Azerbaijani authorities repeatedly referenced former leaders of Artsakh and Armenia. Individuals presented as witnesses reportedly accused Armenians of murder, targeting civilians, and displacing populations. The only media outlet covering the proceedings is the state-run AzerTag, which publishes heavily redacted and delayed reports.
Sahakyan noted that these delays and the filtered reporting indicate deliberate efforts by Azerbaijani authorities to shape public perception. “There’s a significant time gap — for example, hearings are not covered live. Information is curated over a day or two before being released with state approval. We’ve had direct communication with the families of both Ruben Vardanyan and Samvel Babayan. They’ve told us that statements made during the trials are being selectively edited or distorted before reaching the public. In my view, this is a clear example of Azerbaijan’s policy of falsification,” she emphasized.
Ruben Vardanyan, who served as State Minister of Artsakh for just over three months and held no command over military operations, is facing over forty criminal charges in Baku — including terrorism, organizing war, and mass killings. He risks a sentence of life imprisonment. His son recently appealed to former U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to intervene and help secure the release of his father and the 22 other Armenian prisoners of war who have been held in Azerbaijan for more than 18 months.
Despite shifts in U.S. foreign policy, Sahakyan believes Washington still holds substantial leverage over Baku. “The U.S. has the resources and influence necessary to act. We’ve already seen their effectiveness: in 2022, after Azerbaijan’s incursion into Armenia’s sovereign territory, more than 30 Armenian servicemen were captured. Thanks to U.S. intervention, they were released within two weeks — an unprecedented outcome,” she said.
Sahakyan pointed out that critical components in the trilateral relations between the U.S., Azerbaijan, and Turkey could allow Washington to prioritize humanitarian concerns, including the release of prisoners of war. She recalled that a former U.S. National Security Advisor had previously called for the release of Armenian detainees — a sign that diplomatic pressure remains both viable and necessary.