Despite official claims of transparency, the so-called “open” trials of Armenian prisoners of war in Baku remain inaccessible to international observers and legal experts. In an interview with NEWS.am, Siranush Sahakyan, Head of the Center for International and Comparative Law and legal representative of Armenian POWs before the European Court of Human Rights, revealed that an international independent researcher was recently denied access to the Baku Military Court.
“Although Azerbaijan repeatedly declares that the hearings are open to the public, the court building is under strict control. The researcher was informed that access to the premises requires prior approval from the Prosecutor General’s Office or the Supreme Court. Moreover, during his stay in Azerbaijan, he was subjected to harassment. This is what the so-called ‘open trials’ in Baku truly look like,” Sahakyan stated.
She further noted that several international human rights defenders and NGO representatives who had formally applied for permission to attend the hearings and enter Azerbaijan were also denied access. “Even diplomats accredited in Baku have been unable to attend the sessions, despite following official procedures and submitting formal requests.”
Sahakyan emphasized that this denial of access contradicts both international standards and Azerbaijani law. “According to Azerbaijani legislation, which is ostensibly aligned with international norms, anyone should be allowed to attend open court sessions. In reality, however, we are witnessing a clear violation of their own legal commitments,” she said.
Raising further concerns, Sahakyan highlighted Azerbaijan’s recent move to limit the operations of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the country — a step that could have serious implications for Armenian detainees.
“I have received information indicating that, for the past two months, the ICRC has been unable to visit several Armenian prisoners of war who are currently serving sentences in Azerbaijan. It remains unclear whether this is due to technical difficulties or connected to Azerbaijan’s reported intention to cease ICRC activities in the country. But what is clear is that restrictions have already begun,” she warned.
According to Sahakyan, these developments are being consistently documented and reported to international organizations.