Horizon Weekly

“This is a trial against the Armenian people and Armenian statehood”: Davit Ishkhanyan sends message from Baku prison
---

(Horizon Media / YEREVAN) — Armenian Revolutionary Federation Bureau member and former President of the Artsakh National Assembly Davit Ishkhanyan has sent a message from Baku prison, addressing the ongoing trial against Artsakh’s former military and political leadership.

Ishkhanyan said the appeal proceedings are merely formal and that no significant changes have been observed compared with the court of first instance. He explained that the main purpose of filing an appeal is to exhaust the legal procedures required before applying to international courts.

He said that even some defence lawyers have expressed concern during court hearings that proceeding to an international court with such evidence would be difficult for Azerbaijan and could result in defeat.

Ishkhanyan said that during his statement, he described the trial as a politically commissioned process that has no connection to criminal offences and is being conducted on the grounds of ethnic identity and national hatred.

“This is not a fabricated case, but a patchwork,” he said, noting that the charges are filled with contradictions, false formulations and unsubstantiated allegations.

“This is a trial launched against the Armenian people and Armenian statehood, with a clear strategy and far-reaching objectives,” Ishkhanyan emphasized.

He also said that the defence lawyers have still not received the indictment, the prosecution’s final submission or the verdict in full, and have only been permitted to review an electronic version of the ruling.

Ishkhanyan concluded his message by urging Armenians to remain patient, determined and steadfast.