05/19/2026
A new report by the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) found that the trials of Artsakh leaders in Baku “fell short of the guarantees of fairness and equality of arms required under international human rights law”.
The report, titled "Justice Under Pressure: Independence of Lawyers and the Right to a Fair Trial in Azerbaijan", states that defendants were tried before a military court, denied effective access to counsel of their choosing, faced inadequate interpretation, and were provided case materials in a language they did not understand. The ICJ also noted that hearings were held largely behind closed doors, with international observers, foreign media and family members denied access.
Regarding Ruben Vardanyan, the report raised concerns over charges linked to 1988, noting that he “held no political position at the time the charges relate to”.
Read the report here:https://www.icj.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Azerbaijan_ICJ_report_final_eng.pdf
