Artsakh's Ex-Foreign Minister David Babayan Sends Message from Baku Prison, Calls Trial a "Sham"

The audio recording was published by the ArmInfo news agency after being provided to the media by Babayan's family. The former minister addressed human rights defenders and the international public, revealing details about his ongoing trial in Baku, Azerbaijan.

Trial Proceedings and Legal Violations

According to Babayan, the appellate court phase has concluded, but it served a purely formal purpose, merely paving the way for future appeals to international tribunals. He noted that the court failed to correct even elementary errors. While the first-instance court sessions were attended by 200 to 300 people, the appellate hearings saw no such audience. Babayan believes this shift occurred because the attendees had previously witnessed the strong defense presented by the Armenian side and the evident weaknesses of the Azerbaijani prosecution.

Constant Change of Lawyers and Fabricated Charges

Throughout the legal proceedings, the defense team was subjected to constant changes.

"During that time, 5-6 lawyers changed. One was changed right at the beginning of the process in the appellate court," Babayan stated, according to ArmInfo's publication.

He added that, as one of his lawyers pointed out, more than 95% of the charges are entirely fabricated, which is why Azerbaijani authorities are desperate to prevent the case from reaching an international court. Babayan emphasized the bias of the judicial system, noting that 100% of the prosecution's appeals were granted, while in the first instance, their success rate was 99.4%. He was sentenced to life imprisonment on fabricated charges of attempting to overthrow state power.

Health Concerns and Statistics on Armenian Captives

During the court sessions, Babayan raised the issue of severe health problems affecting himself and other detainees. He emphasized that despite being in captivity, they have not been broken. Currently, Azerbaijan officially confirms holding only 19 Armenian captives. This group includes 8 former and current members of Artsakh's military and political leadership. The Baku court handed down life sentences to Arayik Harutyunyan, David Babayan, David Ishkhanyan, David Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan. Meanwhile, Bako Sahakyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and Ruben Vardanyan were sentenced to 20 years in prison, with other detained Artsakh residents receiving terms of up to 15 years.