Former Artsakh Defense Minister Not Afraid to Reaffirm Role in Artsakh Liberation During Sham Trial in Baku

Former commander of the Artsakh Defense Army, Lieutenant General Levon Mnatsakanyan, has confirmed his participation in the struggle for the liberation of Artsakh. Speaking during an ongoing sham trial in Baku.

Mnatsakanyan’s statement comes amid what many observers call a “sham trial” against former Artsakh leaders, organized by Azerbaijani authorities following the 2023 attack and occupation of Artsakh. Critics argue that these trials are politically motivated and meant to criminalize Artsakh’s decades-long fight for self-determination.

During the same proceedings, the second President of Artsakh, Arkady Ghukasyan, also addressed the court, stating that Armenia’s role in the 2020 war was legally justified. He argued that Armenia had a responsibility to defend Artsakh, as it had long been a guarantor of its security. His words show the complex legal and historical background of Armenia’s involvement in Artsakh’s defense.

Additionally, the third President of Artsakh, Bako Sahakyan, firmly stated that the Artsakh issue should not be treated as a criminal case. He said that the question of Artsakh’s status is a political and historical matter, not one that should be handled through court trials.

Many international human rights organizations have raised concerns over the legitimacy of these trials. Legal experts argue that Azerbaijan is using the courtroom as a political weapon against former Artsakh leaders. Critics also point out that these trials take place in a highly controlled environment in Baku, where the outcome appears predetermined.

Artsakh’s leadership has long argued that their fight was one of survival and self-defense, rooted in the right to self-determination. Mnatsakanyan’s words shows this continued commitment to the struggle, even as former officials face trial under uncertain and difficult circumstances.

The conflict over Artsakh dates back several decades, with tensions between Armenians and Azerbaijanis intensifying after the collapse of the Soviet Union. The region, historically home to an ethnic Armenian majority, declared independence from Azerbaijan in 1991. However, Azerbaijan has never recognized this independence and has sought to bring the region under its control.

Following the 2020 war, Azerbaijan occupied most of Artsakh’s territory. In September 2023, it launched a large-scale military offensive, effectively ending Artsakh’s existence as a self-governing entity. The attack forced over 120,000 Armenians to flee their homeland in what has been widely described as ethnic cleansing.

As Mnatsakanyan and other Artsakh leaders continue to face trial in Baku, the Armenian government and international organizations are closely watching the proceedings. Human rights activists have urged global powers to pressure Azerbaijan to respect legal norms and human rights.