A matter of national conscience: The sentencing in Baku

As some readers may be aware, five of Artsakh’s political prisoners were sentenced to life imprisonment, and two were given 20 year terms on Feb. 5. They were found guilty on fabricated charges of crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocide and terrorism. Life sentences were given to Arayik Harutyunyan, Davit Babayan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Manukyan and Levon Mnatsakanyan, and 20-year sentences were given to Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan. Ruben Vardanyan is still awaiting sentencing. 

Aside from these political prisoners, there are still 11 hostages acknowledged by Baku, and many other unacknowledged individuals who are missing in action. Of these hostages, many receive lengthy sentences from 15-19 years imprisonment: Melikset Pashayan (19 years), Garik Martirosyan (18 years), Levon Balayan (16 years), Davit Allahverdyan (16 years), Gurgen Stepanyan (15 years), Erik Ghazaryan (15 years) and Vasili Beglaryan (15 years).