Baku: A public hearing continued at the Baku Military Court regarding criminal cases against several Armenian citizens, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and others, who are accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. The charges stem from Armenia’s military actions against Azerbaijan, encompassing genocide, terrorism, and other violations of international law.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the trial, chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev with judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, ensured the accused had translators and defense lawyers. The courtroom was filled with defense attorneys, victims, their legal representatives, and state prosecutors.
Victims and their legal heirs provided testimony of their experiences during the conflict. Namig Hasanov recounted how his father was martyred in Khojaly in 1992, while Mazahir Mammadov described being forcibly displaced from Lachin. Chingiz Almammedov testified about his family’s tragic loss due to artillery fire from Armenia, emphasizing the harsh realities faced by many during the occupation.
Other testimonies detailed the hardships and violence experienced, such as Nuran Gasimov’s injuries during the 44-day Patriotic War, and Vugar Farajov’s account of his home being looted in Khankendi in 1988. Victims also described forced displacement, property destruction, and personal injuries, underscoring the extensive impact of the conflict.
The court proceedings highlighted the severity of the accusations against Armenian officials, with testimonies revealing the organized and systematic nature of the alleged crimes. The trial is set to continue, with fifteen defendants facing charges for their roles in the aggressive war against Azerbaijan, directed and supported by Armenian state officials and armed forces.