Arrests of Nagorno-Karabakh's Former Leaders

The arrests during and after the exodus

As Azerbaijan consolidated control, several prominent former officials of the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic were detained.

Azerbaijan arrests former top Karabakh chief as exodus tops 50,000 | Euractiv

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Former Nagorno-Karabakh leader Arayik Harutyunyan faces fabricated charges in Azerbaijan - ARMENPRESS Armenian News Agency

Among them were former state minister Ruben Vardanyan, former presidents and senior political officials, and military commanders.

Vardanyan was arrested on September 27, 2023, while attempting to travel to Armenia.

Other former officials detained included Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, David Babayan, David Ishkhanyan, and former military commanders.

Azerbaijan accused the detainees of offenses including terrorism, unlawful armed activities, war crimes, and other crimes.

Armenian officials and supporters of the detainees characterized the arrests as politically motivated and demanded their release.

Trials and due-process concerns

Azerbaijan began criminal proceedings against former Nagorno-Karabakh officials.

In 2025, prosecutors sought severe prison sentences, including life imprisonment, for several former leaders.

Vardanyan was tried separately and was sentenced in February 2026 on charges that included terrorism, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

International human rights organizations raised concerns about the fairness of proceedings, including the use of military courts for civilian defendants, restrictions on independent scrutiny, interpretation and translation problems, and access to legal protections.

Human Rights Watch also raised concerns in September 2026 about conditions and rights of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan.

The importance of individual accountability

Allegations of war crimes and serious human rights abuses must be investigated impartially, regardless of the nationality or political affiliation of the accused.

However, legitimate accountability requires independent courts, reliable evidence, meaningful defense rights, access to counsel, and proceedings consistent with international fair-trial standards.

Collective punishment, arbitrary detention, and prosecutions based solely on political identity are inconsistent with international human rights principles.

The detention and prosecution of former Nagorno-Karabakh leaders became a continuing obstacle to reconciliation.