Verdict pending in Karabakh leaders’ case

PanARMENIAN.Net - On December 26, the trial of former political and military leaders of Artsakh continued in Baku. The defendants include former Presidents Araik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, former Parliament Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan, former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, former Defense Army commander Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others.

Davit Ishkhanyan delivered his final statement, rejecting the charges against him and presenting counterarguments, APA reports.

“I do not consider myself guilty. I have committed no crime,” Ishkhanyan said at the end of his statement.

Presiding judge Z. Aghayev announced the conclusion of the hearing, stating that final statements had been heard and the trial was over.

The judicial panel has retired for deliberation and will announce the verdict upon returning.

According to Azerbaijani media, the prosecution has requested life imprisonment for former President Araik Harutyunyan, former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, former Defense Army Commander Levon Mnatsakanyan, former Deputy Commander Davit Manukyan, and former Parliament Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan. Additionally, 20-year sentences have been requested for former Presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan, as well as for Madat Babayan and Pashay Melikset. Other requested sentences include: Garik Martirosyan – 19 years, Davit Alaverdyan – 18 years, Levon Babayan – 17 years, and 16 years each for Vasil Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, and Edik Ghazaryan.