Human Rights Defender of Artsakh Issues Statement

Since December 12, 2022, the illegal blockade of the Goris-Stepanakert highway by Azerbaijan has made it impossible for individuals deprived of their liberty in the RA penitentiary institutions to participate in court hearings in Artsakh. As a result, these individuals are effectively denied the opportunity to partake in the judicial review of their criminal cases in the Republic of Artsakh. Due to this situation and the inability of their participation, court sessions are being postponed, leading to violations of their rights. This was reported by the Human Rights Defender of the Republic of Artsakh, Gegham Stepanyan.

“Complaints have been filed with the Artsakh Human Rights Defender’s institution by the relatives and representatives of these individuals. Based on these complaints, the Human Rights Defender has initiated an examination of issues related to ensuring the mandatory requirement for the participation of defendants in criminal proceedings as stipulated in the Criminal Procedure Code of Artsakh. Considering that participation in court proceedings is one of the basic procedural rights of the defendant, which also ensures the realization of several other procedural rights, the Defender has suggested that state authorities make appropriate amendments and additions to the Criminal Procedure Code of Artsakh, exploring the legislative possibility of allowing the defendant’s participation in court hearings through the use of technical means of telecommunication as a potential solution to this issue,” said Gegham Stepanyan.