According to APA agency, Arutyunyan served as the head of the Mountainous Karabakh Republic from 2020 until the end of August 2023.
It is reported that Azerbaijani officials have accused him of a series of grave crimes, including preparing and waging an aggressive war, genocide, violating the laws and customs of war, terrorism and financing terrorism, as well as seizing and retaining power by force.
As part of the court proceedings, other defendants in this case have been sentenced to life imprisonment on similar charges. Among them are the former Defense Minister of the Mountainous Karabakh Republic, Levon Mnatsakanyan, the former Speaker of Parliament, Davit Ishkhanyan, the former Deputy Commander of the Armenian forces in Karabakh, Davit Manukyan, and the former head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Davit Babayan.
It is noted that the convicted individuals were arrested after the military operation conducted by Azerbaijan in Karabakh at the end of 2023. As a result of this operation, the disputed territory fully came under Baku's control.
It is also said that the former State Minister of the Mountainous Karabakh Republic, Ruben Vardanyan, may also be sentenced to life imprisonment. None of the defendants have admitted their guilt.
