The Holy See of Etchmiadzin responded to the Baku puppet court`s verdict against the military-political leadership of Artsakh

ArmInfo. Mother See of Etchmiadzin responded to the Baku puppet court's verdict against the military-political leadership of Artsakh, held captive in Baku.

"We learned with deep sorrow of the clearly fabricated sentences handed down against the military and political leaders of Artsakh illegally detained in Baku. Mother See of Etchmiadzin reaffirms its commitment to continuing consistent efforts through its structures around the world on international and inter-church platforms to ensure the release of captured Armenians and their return to their homeland. Holy Etchmiadzin expresses its support for the captured officials of Artsakh, prisoners of war, and their families," the Armenian Apostolic Church said in a statement.

It should be noted that the exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Azerbaijani prisons is still unknown. Experts estimate the number to be several hundred. Today, the Azerbaijani authorities confirm the presence of 19 Armenians in their custody. Among those held captive by Azerbaijan are eight former and current members of Artsakh's military-political leadership. These include former Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan; former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan; as well as parliament speaker Davit Ishkhanyan; former commander of the Artsakh Defense Army General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David Manukyan; and former state minister Ruben Vardanyan.

Today, the Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, Davit Babayan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to life imprisonment on trumped-up charges, and Bako Sahakyan and Arkady Ghukasyan to 20 years in prison.