Baku: The open court hearing concerning the criminal cases of several Armenian citizens, accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity during Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued at the Baku Military Court. The session, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, involved defendants Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others. They face charges related to war crimes, genocide, terrorism, and numerous other offenses.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the court provided translators and defense lawyers for all accused individuals. Attendees included the accused, their attorneys, victims and their representatives, and state prosecutors. A motion was submitted by the defense of Arayik Harutyunyan for a partial examination of the extensive evidence, which was supported by Harutyunyan. The court granted this motion, allowing documents to be reviewed episode by episode.
Documents presented during the court session detailed various incidents, including the attack on a UAZ car in Jamilli village in 1991, which resulted in fatalities and injuries. Other documents described the shelling of Malibayli and Gushchular villages in 1992, and an attack on a “Laz” bus in Khojavend district in 1991, all resulting in multiple casualties.
The court also examined evidence related to the Khojaly genocide, with testimonies from journalists who documented the aftermath of the tragedy and the involvement of Armenian armed forces. Witnesses shared harrowing accounts of the violence and its impact on civilians.
Accused individuals made requests to summon various potential witnesses, including Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, members of the OSCE Minsk Group, and Russian generals. However, the court rejected these motions, citing a lack of relevant connection to the charges.
The trial also included the examination of a video interview with former Armenian Deputy Defense Minister Manvel Grigoryan, who admitted involvement in crimes against Azerbaijan. The proceedings will continue, with the court focused on reviewing the substantial evidence presented against the fifteen Armenian defendants charged under various articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code.