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Home > Headlines > Azerbaijan hands long prison terms to former Karabakh officials

Azerbaijan hands long prison terms to former Karabakh officials

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on February 5, 2026

2 min read

Last updated: February 5, 2026

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Tags:Human Rights

Quick Summary

Azerbaijan sentenced 13 former Karabakh officials to long prison terms, with five receiving life sentences, raising concerns over trial fairness.

Azerbaijan Sentences Former Karabakh Officials to Lengthy Prison Terms

Azerbaijan's Sentencing of Former Karabakh Officials

By Nailia Bagirova

Details of the Sentences

BAKU, Feb 5 (Reuters) - An Azerbaijani military court issued long prison sentences on Thursday to 13 former officials of Nagorno-Karabakh, where ethnic Armenians maintained an unrecognised breakaway statelet for three decades until Baku restored military control in 2023.

Concerns Over Trial Fairness

Five defendants, including former Karabakh leader Arayik Harutyunyan, were sentenced to life imprisonment. Eight others received prison terms ranging from 15 to 20 years.

The Case of Ruben Vardanyan

They were convicted on charges including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism and the violent seizure of power.

Human rights groups have raised concerns about the fairness of the trial, which began in January 2025.

Ethnic Armenians in Karabakh, an internationally recognised part of Azerbaijan, broke away from Baku's control as the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991.

Azerbaijan and Armenia fought two wars over the mountainous territory before Baku took it back in 2023 and its entire Armenian population of around 100,000 people fled to Armenia.

Harutyunyan's lawyer Javid Rzazade told Reuters that his client had expected the verdict.

"Arayik Harutyunyan was prepared for this court decision. We knew the court could issue a life sentence. Naturally, we do not agree with either the indictment or the verdict," Rzazade said, adding it was too early to decide on a possible appeal.

A verdict has yet to be passed on Ruben Vardanyan, a former billionaire banker who served as the number two official in Karabakh, and for whom prosecutors have demanded a life sentence.

(Reporting by Nailia Bagirova, writing by Mark TrevelyanEditing by Gareth Jones)

Key Takeaways

•Azerbaijan sentenced 13 former Karabakh officials.
•Five officials received life imprisonment.
•Charges include war crimes and genocide.
•Human rights groups question trial fairness.
•Ruben Vardanyan's verdict is pending.

Frequently Asked Questions about Azerbaijan hands long prison terms to former Karabakh officials

1What is a war crime?

A war crime is a serious violation of the laws and customs of war, which includes acts such as intentionally killing civilians, taking hostages, and using prohibited weapons.

2What is a military court?

A military court is a tribunal that is convened to try members of the armed forces for military offenses, often involving breaches of military law or conduct.

3What is a life sentence?

A life sentence is a prison term that lasts for the convicted person's lifetime, although in some jurisdictions, it may allow for parole after a certain period.

4What is judicial fairness?

Judicial fairness refers to the principle that legal proceedings should be conducted impartially and without bias, ensuring that all parties receive a fair trial.

Azerbaijan's Sentencing of Former Karabakh Officials

By Nailia Bagirova

Details of the Sentences

Concerns Over Trial Fairness

Five defendants, including former Karabakh leader Arayik Harutyunyan, were sentenced to life imprisonment. Eight others received prison terms ranging from 15 to 20 years.

The Case of Ruben Vardanyan

Human rights groups have raised concerns about the fairness of the trial, which began in January 2025.

Ethnic Armenians in Karabakh, an internationally recognised part of Azerbaijan, broke away from Baku's control as the Soviet Union fell apart in 1991.

Azerbaijan and Armenia fought two wars over the mountainous territory before Baku took it back in 2023 and its entire Armenian population of around 100,000 people fled to Armenia.

Harutyunyan's lawyer Javid Rzazade told Reuters that his client had expected the verdict.

A verdict has yet to be passed on Ruben Vardanyan, a former billionaire banker who served as the number two official in Karabakh, and for whom prosecutors have demanded a life sentence.

(Reporting by Nailia Bagirova, writing by Mark TrevelyanEditing by Gareth Jones)

Frequently Asked Questions

1What is a war crime?

A war crime is a serious violation of the laws and customs of war, which includes acts such as intentionally killing civilians, taking hostages, and using prohibited weapons.

2What is a military court?

A military court is a tribunal that is convened to try members of the armed forces for military offenses, often involving breaches of military law or conduct.

3What is a life sentence?

A life sentence is a prison term that lasts for the convicted person's lifetime, although in some jurisdictions, it may allow for parole after a certain period.

4What is judicial fairness?

Judicial fairness refers to the principle that legal proceedings should be conducted impartially and without bias, ensuring that all parties receive a fair trial.