In a significant development, the authorities of Azerbaijan are planning to hold a high-profile trial against the former commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Artsakh in Madrid, according to international human rights expert Siranush Sahakyan. The exact start date of the judicial proceedings is yet to be determined, but it is expected to take place after other ongoing processes. Shahakyan believes that the Azerbaijani authorities are using this trial to condemn their own people and weaken the credibility of former leaders. The trial commenced six months ago, but only local lawyers are allowed to represent the Azerbaijani authorities, with foreign lawyers limited to international courts considering the military situation in Azerbaijan.

In response to the allegations raised in the media, the former president of Artsakh, who held the position during the 44-day war, denied the accusations. Sahakyan stated that if Azerbaijan used its civilian population as a weapon and committed crimes resulting in casualties, it is their responsibility and not that of Armenia or Artsakh as this would constitute crimes against humanity under international law.

News from Armenia suggests that…