International Experts Blocked from Armenian POW Trials in Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan has blocked international diplomats, human rights defenders, and independent researchers from observing the trials of Armenian prisoners held in Baku’s Military Court. Despite official claims that these hearings are "open," evidence shows the opposite.

Siranush Sahakyan, the Armenian lawyer representing the interests of these prisoners at the European Court of Human Rights, has shared exclusive details about the restrictions with Armenian News-NEWS.am. According to her, a respected international expert based in Baku was recently denied access to the courtroom.

“The court building is under tight surveillance,” Sahakyan said. “Even though Azerbaijan insists that these are open trials, the expert was not allowed to enter. He was told that only the Prosecutor General’s Office or the Supreme Court could grant permission.”

This isn’t the only barrier. Sahakyan reported that the expert faced harassment while staying in Azerbaijan—raising serious concerns about the safety of international observers.

“If this is what happens to someone simply trying to attend a trial, it says everything about how ‘open’ these hearings really are,” she added.

Sahakyan also confirmed that diplomats accredited in Baku and representatives from international NGOs have been officially denied entry to the trials—even after submitting the required paperwork through proper legal channels.

This contradicts Azerbaijan’s own laws, which are supposed to follow international legal standards and guarantee the right of the public, including foreign observers, to attend open court proceedings.

“On paper, the law protects this right. In reality, it is being violated,” Sahakyan said.

Even more alarming is the growing concern about the safety and treatment of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijani custody. According to Sahakyan, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)—a key humanitarian organization that monitors the condition of detainees—has reportedly been blocked from visiting some Armenian prisoners for the past two months

Sahakyan said it is unclear whether this is due to technical problems or an official suspension of the Red Cross’s activities in Azerbaijan. Either way, the effect is the same: less protection for prisoners and less transparency.

“Azerbaijan has already demanded the withdrawal of the ICRC from Baku,” she said. “If that happens, it will become even harder to ensure the basic human rights of the Armenian detainees.”

One of the most high-profile Armenian detainees, philanthropist and former Artsakh official Ruben Vardanyan, continues to appear before the Baku Military Court. But he has refused to testify, standing firm in his position that the trial is not legitimate.

In a previous hearing, Vardanyan openly challenged the court, citing multiple legal violations during the investigation and the ongoing denial of his right to a fair trial. Another session in his case is scheduled for today.

These latest events reflect a disturbing pattern in Azerbaijan’s treatment of Armenian prisoners. The denial of courtroom access to international observers, diplomats, and NGOs is not only a violation of transparency—it also raises questions about what the Azerbaijani government may be trying to hide.

At a time when international law should guide actions, especially in post-war justice processes, Azerbaijan’s behavior moves in the opposite direction.

Siranush Sahakyan and others continue to share information with global human rights organizations in the hope that increased pressure will lead to real accountability.

But with closed doors, silenced observers, and isolated prisoners, justice in Baku remains out of reach—for now.

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