Baku: The open court hearing concerning criminal cases against Armenian citizens, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and others, accused of crimes against peace and humanity, continued at the Baku Military Court. These individuals face charges related to war crimes, aggressive warfare, genocide, terrorism, and other serious offenses linked to Armenia’s military actions against Azerbaijan.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the session, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, focused on the examination of an interview given by Manvel Grigoryan, former deputy minister of defense of Armenia. Grigoryan’s admissions detailed his involvement in the occupation of Azerbaijani territories and various crimes committed there, including sabotage operations and the indoctrination of young people into military roles. He revealed the cooperation of Armenian leadership and military personnel in these actions.
Grigoryan also implicated former Armenian presidents Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan in the occupation efforts. He described the establishment of military units in occupied Azerbaijani territories with the support of Armenian military figures and the provision of weapons. Grigoryan confessed to the killing and displacement of Azerbaijani civilians, further detailing the destruction of villages during the occupation.
The court session also involved the presentation of documents and photographs related to crimes committed during the conflict. These included evidence of artillery shelling, forced displacements, and the treatment of Azerbaijani prisoners. The proceedings are set to continue as the court examines the involvement of Armenian officials and military personnel in the alleged crimes.
Fifteen Armenian-origin defendants are charged under multiple articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, which include planning and conducting aggressive war, genocide, enslavement, deportation, and various forms of terrorism and illegal activities. The charges highlight the alleged direct involvement of the Armenian state and its officials in the military aggression against Azerbaijan.