Vagif Khachatryan's Family Left in the Dark: Azerbaijan's Opaque Legal Process

The "court trial" of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) resident Vagif Khachatryan, who faces charges of "genocide," entered a crucial phase in the Azerbaijani capital, Baku. The trial, marked by intense scrutiny, adjourned on Monday, with significant developments unfolding during the proceedings.

According to reports from Azerbaijani media, a witness provided testimony during the session, following which documents related to the case were made public. The prosecution indicated the possibility of demanding punishment for the accused, raising tension within the courtroom. Subsequently, the prosecution requested additional time, leading to the continuation of the court session scheduled for Tuesday, as reported by Azerbaijani media APA.

Vagif Khachatryan's case revolves around accusations of "genocide, forced displacement of Azerbaijanis, destruction of state property, and damage caused by members of illegal Armenian armed formations in the village of Meshali in Azerbaijan’s Khojaly district on December 22, 1991." Khachatryan, who was abducted by Azerbaijanis at the Hakari bridge while en route to Armenia during the blockade at the end of July 2023, has steadfastly maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges brought against him.

The Armenian Report attempted to gather insights from Vagif Khachatryan’s daughter, Vera Khachatryan, regarding this testimony in the Baku court. However, Vera revealed that she and her family remain uninformed about the proceedings, relying solely on internet sources for updates. Despite the assignment of an attorney to Khachatryan's case, there has been no communication between the legal representation and the family, leaving them in a state of uncertainty.

The trial of Vagif Khachatryan remains a matter of grave concern, with international observers closely monitoring the developments. As the proceedings continue, the case underscores the complexities and challenges faced by individuals caught in the crossfire of Azerbaijani aggression, shedding light on the urgent need for a fair and transparent legal process.