The defense requested acquittal of former Nagorno-Karabakh leaders

Lawyers for the former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh, who are on trial in Azerbaijan on charges of serious crimes, have declared the cases groundless and politically motivated. They have demanded acquittals for their clients.

Fifteen former high-ranking officials are in the dock, including three former presidents of Nagorno-Karabakh—Arayik Harutyunyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arkady Ghukasyan. Also among the defendants are former parliament speaker David Ishkhanyan, former state minister Ruben Vardanyan (whose case is being heard separately), and other key figures. They are charged under more than 20 articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code.

The prosecutor's office is seeking life sentences for some of the defendants, including Arutyunyan and Ishkhanyan, and 16 to 20 years in prison for the rest. The lawyers emphasize that all of the defendants voluntarily surrendered to Azerbaijani authorities and deny their guilt. The defense points to the inconsistency between the charges and the actual roles of some of the defendants.

Последние новости
The Georgian opposition accused the prime minister of working for Russia's interests amid a dispute with the EU
Politics
The Georgian opposition accused the prime minister of working for Russia's interests amid a dispute with the EU
23 April 2026

Grigol Gegelia, a member of the opposition party "Lelo – Strong Georgia," sharply criticized Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze following his statement about the possible "summoning" of the EU ambassador.

Former Georgian Defense Minister Sentenced to 10 Years
Politics
Former Georgian Defense Minister Sentenced to 10 Years
23 April 2026

The Tbilisi City Court found former Georgian Defense Minister Juansher Burchuladze guilty of abuse of office and money laundering and sentenced him to 10 years in prison. He was also ordered to forfeit his property—a plot of land and a house in Spain, as well as a house and parking space in the village of Tskneti. Upon his release, he will be banned from holding public office for two years.

Two Armenian opposition parties have submitted their applications for participation in the parliamentary elections
Politics
Two Armenian opposition parties have submitted their applications for participation in the parliamentary elections
23 April 2026

With the parliamentary elections in Armenia scheduled for June 7 approaching, opposition forces are deciding whether to participate. Two parties – Strong Armenia and Wings of Unity – have officially submitted their applications to the Central Election Commission.

The EU Ambassador to Georgia criticized the country's authorities for backsliding on European values
Politics
The EU Ambassador to Georgia criticized the country's authorities for backsliding on European values
23 April 2026

Speaking at the "Georgia in Focus" photography exhibition in Brussels, the EU Ambassador to Georgia, Pavel Gerchinsky, reiterated his concern about the country's European course. He stated that Georgia "stands at a crossroads," and decisions made in the coming weeks and months will determine its future: whether it will become part of the European family based on democracy and human rights or "return to its dark past."