News - High-Profile Verdicts in Baku: Former Artsakh Leaders Sentenced

In a significant judicial decision announced on February 5, 2026, Baku's military court handed down severe sentences to several former political and military leaders of Artsakh. The court sentenced former President Arayik Harutyunyan, among others, to life imprisonment for their roles in alleged crimes against Azerbaijan’s criminal code. This trial has widespread implications for regional politics and human rights discussions. The sentences result from accusations such as orchestrating military operations against Azerbaijan, with further charges linked to undermining the state’s security. In addition to Harutyunyan, prominent figures like Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan, both former Presidents of Artsakh, have been sentenced to 20-year terms. The trial, conducted amidst tight security, highlighted a dramatic episode in the ongoing political tension between Armenia, Artsakh, and Azerbaijan. Observers and political analysts note that these sentences could deepen the already intense geopolitical schism in the Caucasus region. Human rights organizations have raised concerns regarding the fairness and transparency of the trial processes, emphasizing a need for international judicial standards. This development is expected to ignite significant diplomatic discussions, with various international bodies potentially stepping in to mediate. The case encapsulates long-standing disputes and the profoundly challenging path towards peace and reconciliation in the region. The trials against these former leaders, representing a symbolic struggle, may fuel further friction, making cooperation and diplomacy more crucial than ever.