Baku: The open court hearing on criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan and others, accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and various other offenses, continued on October 10. The session, held at the Baku Military Court, was presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with a panel including Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev. Each accused was provided with an interpreter and legal representation.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the court session was attended by the accused individuals, their defense counsel, some victims, and prosecutors. Judge Z. Aghayev announced the receipt of new documents, noting that 340 victims had applied to the court. The victims’ absence was accepted as their statements from the preliminary investigation would be examined.
The court was presented with facts and data from public agencies regarding criminal cases, civilian casualties, and damage caused by Armenian armed forces’ attacks on Azerbaijani territories. The evidence included information from various Azerbaijani ministries and institutions.
Documents revealed that Armenia shelled Ganja on October 4, 2020, to instill panic among civilians. Arayik Harutyunyan misleadingly claimed the shelling was ordered from Karabakh, not Armenian territory. Video evidence also showed Harutyunyan’s ironic remarks about returning Azerbaijani bodies.
Further evidence showed deliberate acts by Armenian servicemen, such as rolling a rock over Azerbaijani conscripts in Saribaba village in 2022. Information on seven accused persons, including their roles in illegal activities since the early 90s, was also revealed.
The court reviewed documents showing Armenia’s financing of a regime in occupied Azerbaijani territories and its purchase of anti-tank missiles from Russia, found in Azerbaijani territories. The liberation of these areas revealed numerous weapons, confirming Armenian importation.
Video materials showed battle scenes, killings of Azerbaijani soldiers, and evidence of torture and looting by Armenian forces. Footage of captured Azerbaijani soldiers with visible injuries was also presented.
The court proceedings will continue on October 13. Fifteen Armenian-origin defendants are accused of crimes during the aggressive war waged by Armenia against Azerbaijan. These crimes, violating legal norms, were committed under the leadership of Armenian state officials and armed forces.
Defendants, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and others, face charges under multiple articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, including war aggression, genocide, and terrorism. The charges encompass a wide range of offenses, reflecting the gravity of the alleged crimes.