The national civic movement Hayakve has issued a statement in response to the verdicts issued in Baku against Armenian captives, expressing its conviction that “the imprisonment of some Armenian hostages serves the political interests of the regime.”
“We were saddened to learn today that Armenian hostages held in Baku have been sentenced to life and long-term imprisonment by the order of dictator Aliyev,” the statement reads.
“This is yet another bitter confirmation that with its current regime, Azerbaijan will not pursue peace with Armenia. Today’s sentencing—delivered in the wake of yesterday’s peace prize ceremony in Abu Dhabi honoring the dictators of Armenia and Azerbaijan, accompanied by false and flattering rhetoric—is a cynical affront to the dignity of Armenians and the entire civilized world.”
The movement accuses the Armenian government, led by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, of complicity in this outcome, stating that the hostage-taking of Artsakh’s former political-military leadership and other citizens followed the “treacherous surrender” of Artsakh.
“Since their captivity, the authorities have taken no effective action to secure their release. On the contrary, we are convinced that the imprisonment of some Armenian hostages serves the regime’s political interests.”
Hayakve expressed solidarity with the families of the captives and the Armenian people, pledging to play a significant role in decision-making processes in Armenia to help shape a favorable environment for their release.
Former Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Others sentenced to life include former Defense Army Commander Levon Mnatsakanyan, his first deputy David Manukyan, former Foreign Minister David Babayan, and National Assembly Speaker David Ishkhanyan.
Former Presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan received 20-year sentences. Madat Babayan and Melikset Pashayan were sentenced to 19 years, Garik Martirosyan to 18, David Alaverdyan and Levon Balayan to 16, and Erik Ghazaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, and Vasily Beglaryan to 15 years in prison.
