Baku: During the ongoing occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenian armed forces, individuals who endured horrific tortures in captivity and as hostages provided testimony in a court session. The court proceedings, which address Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, involve charges of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and terrorism, among other serious offenses.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev and supported by judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, convened to hear the cases against several Armenian citizens, including Arayik Harutyunyan and others. The session ensured that the accused had access to interpreters and legal representation. Participants included the accused, their defense attorneys, victims, their legal heirs and representatives, and state prosecutors.
Victims recounted their traumatic experiences during the occupation. Vugar Eminov described his 1994 captivity in Gulluja, Agdam, detailing regular beatings and forced labor. Teyyib Ismayilov testified about being wounded and losing his health to the conflict. Imran Guliyev shared the tragic story of his sister’s death and his own injury during the occupation of Khojaly. Ramil Alakbarov recalled being taken hostage at age 12 during the Khojaly genocide, witnessing executions of fellow captives.
Other testimonies included those of Ramin Azizov, who was injured and held hostage, and Mubariz Hamidov, who lost family members and suffered frostbite while fleeing. Khalig Mirzayev recounted his 1996 abduction, and Vagif Namazov described severe injuries sustained during the Khojaly attack. Numerous others provided similar accounts of suffering and loss.
The court session also involved the presentation of forensic medical examination results for the victims. The proceedings are set to continue, with the court addressing the involvement of 15 defendants of Armenian origin in crimes committed during the conflict. These individuals face charges under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, including genocide, enslavement, torture, and terrorism.
The trial highlights the extensive suffering endured by Azerbaijani victims and the legal pursuit of accountability for crimes committed during the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.