Past newspaper reports have stated that the Supreme Court of Azerbaijan has begun a trial against the former military leaders of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), accusing them of war crimes. The Chief Judge, Kiamran Alyev, has announced that the investigation is concluded, and charges have been sent to the court, involving 15 counts of misconduct. In September 2023, several former officials of Artsakh, including Ruben Vardanyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan, Davit Babayan, Akadi Ghukasyan, Bakko Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan, were arrested and charged.

There have been reports that Nikol Pashinyan, the leader of Armenia, is also mentioned in connection with these allegations. However, these reports remain unconfirmed, although it is evident that his government has financially supported the publication of certain newspapers.

Azerbaijan has frequently organized press conferences where they accuse former officials of war crimes, often manipulating the evidence. In one instance, a press conference was announced regarding the former leader of Artsakh, Araik Harutyunyan, but Azerbaijan did not follow through. These reports are clearly part of Azerbaijan’s propaganda campaign.

The trial in Baku will address the charges brought against the defendants. Their defense lawyers will present arguments on their behalf, as is customary in legal proceedings. However, it is expected that the fate of these defendants has already been predetermined by the government, who are eager to stage a spectacle by trying them all together. It is worth noting that some of these incarcerated individuals have reportedly suffered severe beatings or even torture during their months of detention, in an attempt to force them to testify against Aliyev’s government. Western humanitarian organizations and the international community have expressed specific concerns about the safety of Armenian soldiers.

In conclusion, it can be argued that the highly anticipated trial in Baku is a result of Nikol Pashinyan’s mistakes, and he bears the primary responsibility for the current situation in Artsakh. The newspaper expresses its regrets for the loss of young Armenian lives who fought against Aliyev’s unjust invasion.