Archive · 14 Nov 2025
Azerbaijan Seeks Life Sentences for Ex-Karabakh Separatist Leaders
Imagine a region called Karabakh, which was run by Armenian leaders for a long time.
Last year, a country called Azerbaijan took control of the region.
Now, Azerbaijan has put many of the former Armenian leaders on trial.
Prosecutors in Azerbaijan are asking for very long prison sentences, including life in prison, for these former leaders.
They are accused of serious crimes like terrorism and taking power by force.
Almost all the Armenian people who lived there had to leave their homes when Azerbaijan took over.
Another former leader is also on trial for many different charges.
The court hearings are not open to the public.
Azerbaijani prosecutors are seeking up to life in prison sentences for 15 former leaders and officials of Nagorno-Karabakh.
The defendants face charges including war crimes, terrorism, and forcible seizure of power.
Nearly 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled Karabakh after Azerbaijan's offensive in September 2023.
Some former officials, including ex-presidents and army commanders, are among those facing the highest sentences.
The court hearings are being held behind closed doors, and media access is restricted.
- Who
- Azerbaijani prosecutors and 15 former leaders and officials from Nagorno-Karabakh
- What
- Azerbaijani prosecutors are seeking up to life in prison sentences for former Nagorno-Karabakh leaders and officials charged with war crimes, terrorism, and forcible seizure of power.
- When
- Thursday (prosecutors' statements) and following Azerbaijan's offensive in September 2023.
- Where
- Baku, Azerbaijan
- Why
- The charges stem from events related to the region's former status and Azerbaijan's retaking of control.
- Number of Defendants Seeking Life Sentences
- 5
- Maximum Sentence Sought
- Life in prison
- Other Sentences Sought
- 16 to 20 years
- Total Exiled Ethnic Armenians from Karabakh
- Nearly 100,000
- Date of Azerbaijan's Offensive
- September 2023