Baku: The open court hearing addressing criminal cases against several Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity continued at the Baku Military Court. Among the accused are prominent figures such as Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and Bako Sahakyan. They face charges including war crimes, genocide, terrorism, and forcible seizure of power, linked to Armenia’s military actions against Azerbaijan.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the session, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, involved the presentation of documents revealing Armenia’s recruitment of foreign mercenaries during military operations. These documents, sourced from Azerbaijani state institutions, detailed efforts by Armenia and its diaspora to enlist foreign nationals during the 44-day Patriotic War to combat losses sustained in the conflict. Notably, mercenaries from countries such as France, the United States, Syria, and Russia were involved, with recruitment facilitated by organizations like “VoMA” and ASALA.
One document highlighted “VoMA’s” establishment by Vladimir Vartanov, a figure with connections to former Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan. The organization conducted military training sessions in various locales, including Armenia’s mountainous regions and Azerbaijan’s then-occupied territories. The training was led by several Armenian citizens, with coordination in the Russian Federation managed by Tananyan Gayane Arturovna. The organization’s funding reportedly came from donations and membership fees, with substantial contributions from Russian, American, French, Austrian, and Lebanese sources.
Documents also described the involvement of foreign nationals in combat operations, including Lebanese, French, and American citizens, under the leadership of individuals like the Lebanese “Baron Norik.” French citizen Gilbert Minasyan, tied to ASALA, was mentioned for recruiting French Armenians to fight in Azerbaijan. Among the combatants were Artur Oganesyan from France and Armen Knyazyan from Spain, both participating in significant battles.
Additional evidence presented during the trial included documents detailing attacks on Azerbaijani civilians and infrastructure, as well as the participation of mercenaries and members of terrorist organizations in these conflicts. The trial, set to continue on October 10, involves fifteen Armenian-origin defendants accused of a range of serious crimes committed during the conflict, allegedly orchestrated by Armenian state officials and military leaders.