Baku: Court hearings on the criminal case against several citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including David Ishkhanyan, continued at the Baku Military Court. The accused are charged with committing a range of serious crimes, including war crimes and crimes against peace and humanity. The proceedings are presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev as part of the judicial panel, and Gunel Samadova serving as a reserve judge.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the hearings saw the participation of the accused, their defense attorneys, victims and their representatives, and public prosecutors. The court provided interpreters to ensure clear communication for each accused individual. During this session, David Ishkhanyan, who formerly served as the ‘speaker of parliament’ in the self-styled entity, answered questions regarding his involvement in the conflict and his roles within the organization.
Ishkhanyan admitted to holding the position of ‘battalion commander’ in the self-proclaimed republic since 1992 and confirmed his active participation in the war against Azerbaijan. He was also a key figure in the ‘Dashnaktsutyun’ party, serving as a ‘faction leader’ in the entity’s ‘parliament.’ Prosecutors inquired about the organizational structure and military leadership of the entity, to which Ishkhanyan responded, identifying Serzh Sarkisyan and Samvel Babayan as leaders but claimed limited knowledge of the management mechanisms.
Further questioning by prosecutors revealed Ishkhanyan’s combat activities in various regions, including Aghdara, Khojavand, Kalbajar, and Aghdam. He acknowledged being awarded the Order of the Battle Cross for his actions against Azerbaijani forces. Prosecutors also questioned him about sending open letters to international speakers of parliament, urging them to pressure Azerbaijan, to which he admitted but was unsure of the letters’ impact.
The hearings also touched on the discovery of weapons and communication equipment at a hotel he owned, which Ishkhanyan attributed to other Armenian residents. He explained his visits to military units in occupied territories during the Second Karabakh War, citing familial connections and duties as a ‘member of parliament.’
The proceedings will continue with further questioning of the accused, who, along with others, face multiple charges including genocide, terrorism, and violation of international laws. The accused individuals are part of a broader group implicated in orchestrating military aggression against Azerbaijan, with implications involving high-ranking Armenian officials and military personnel. The next court session is scheduled for April 4.