Karabakh separatists’ ex-leader stands trial in Yerevan

The first hearing in the case of Mikayel Arzumanyan, the former commander of Karabakh separatist forces, began at Yerevan's Anti-Corruption Court on April 25.

The process is taking place behind closed doors, Caliber.Az reports, quoting Armenian media.

Arzumanyan has been arrested on charges of negligence in organising the defence of the town of Shusha and surrounding areas.

According to Armenia’s Investigative Committee, from October 30 to November 9, 2020, when organising the defence of Shusha and adjacent areas "Lt-Gen [Arzumanyan] showed a negligent attitude towards his official duties, not performing them or performing them improperly, thus negligently causing serious consequences”.

Arzumanyan was appointed commander of the Karabakh separatist forces in the last phase of the 44-day war, in 2020, replacing Jalal Harutyunyan. He was relieved of his post in September 2021.