Baku: Court hearings have resumed in the criminal case against several Armenian nationals accused of crimes including genocide, war crimes, and terrorism stemming from Armenia’s military aggression, Azeri-Press News Agency reports. The proceedings at the Baku Military Court involve high-profile accused individuals such as Arayik Harutyunyan and Arkadi Ghukasyan, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with a panel including Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev. Each defendant has been provided with an interpreter and defense attorneys.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the hearings were attended by the accused, their lawyers, and victims, some of whom were participating for the first time. Judge Aghayev outlined the legal rights and obligations to these participants. Arkady Ghukasyan, one of the accused, was questioned about the forced departure of Azerbaijanis from Khankendi and incidents including the bombing of a bridge over the Khalfalichay river, which he described as tragic rather than heroic.
Nasir Bayramov from the Prosecutor General’s Office suggested reviewing evidence related to the occupation of Khojaly and the associated genocide before questioning victims. The court examined documents about the attack on the village of Meshali in 1991, where 25 people were killed. Vagif Khachaturyan, wanted in connection with the incident, was recently sentenced to 15 years in prison.
Victim Elman Mammadov detailed the atrocities of February 26, 1992, when 613 civilians were killed by Armenian forces. He described earlier ideological preparations for the attack, starting with rallies in 1988 that led to systemic violence against Azerbaijanis. Mammadov emphasized that the masterminds were part of Armenia’s political and military leadership, executing a state policy of ethnic cleansing.
Victim Kubra Mammadova recounted her family’s fate during the attack on Khojaly, where her parents and siblings were killed. She survived and was later found by relatives based on a note from her deceased mother. Other victims, like Fitat Mammadova and Zohrab Muradov, shared harrowing stories of escape, captivity, and torture at the hands of Armenian forces.
The trial, involving 15 Armenian nationals, continues to address numerous charges, including military aggression and acts of terror against Azerbaijan. The accused face a range of charges under Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, relating to war crimes, genocide, and other violations of international law. The next hearing is scheduled for April 18.