Baku: On October 24, the open court hearing on the criminal cases of Armenian citizens at the Baku Military Court continued with the announcement of case-related documents, as well as statements from victims and their legal heirs who were unable to attend the session for valid reasons and submitted written appeals to the court, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the son of victim Valiyev Fikrat Javad oghlu testified about the harrowing events of the Khojaly genocide. He recounted returning home on the night of February 25, 1992, to find Armenian soldiers setting houses ablaze. Finding no one at home, he fled toward the Katik forest, encountering a large group of city residents, including his wife, sister, and nephew, under a bridge across the Gargarchay River. Together with around 300 Khojaly residents, they moved toward the Katik forest.
Upon reaching Katik village, they came under heavy fire from Armenian militants, leading to numerous deaths and injuries. The following morning, in the forest, he learned from other survivors that Armenian soldiers had shot several Khojaly residents near Garagaya, and others had managed to escape. Many who stayed in the forest overnight suffered severe frostbite, with some dying from exposure. His sister and other relatives went missing under unknown circumstances and remain unaccounted for.
On February 27, 1992, amidst heavy fog, the victim and 230 Khojaly residents lost their way to Aghdam district, coming under Armenian fire near Dahraz village. This resulted in several casualties, including the deaths of Baghirova Zahra Sari ghizi, Telman, Mehti, and four others, along with three wounded individuals. Captives were held in harsh conditions, subjected to severe torture, and robbed of their possessions.
During captivity, an Armenian soldier inflicted severe harm on a minor, Anar Ahmadov, tied to the victim’s back, exemplifying the brutality faced by the captives. The captives were denied basic necessities and faced freezing conditions. Several young captives were taken away by Armenian soldiers, and their fate remains unknown.
The court proceedings continue against Armenian nationals accused of grave offenses, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, and terrorism. The charges also encompass financing terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and other serious violations of laws and customs of war.