Baku: Individuals who suffered injuries during attacks by Armenian armed forces, those tortured in captivity, and victims of landmines testified in a Baku court as part of a criminal case against several Armenian citizens, including prominent figures such as Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and Bako Sahakyan. They are accused of numerous offenses, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, related to Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the open court hearing was held at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev. The judicial panel ensured that each defendant had access to an interpreter and legal counsel. The session included the accused, their legal representatives, several victims and their representatives, and state prosecutors. Judge Aghayev introduced the judicial panel and explained the rights and obligations of the victims present.
Victim testimonies painted a harrowing picture of the impact of the conflict. Tahir Mahmudov recounted being seriously injured by a mine explosion in Khojaly in 2021. Jumshud Gahramanov described artillery fire damaging his home and killing his cattle in Jabrayil district during the 2020 Patriotic War, while Hilal Haziyev confirmed he was wounded by shrapnel in the same attack. Other testimonies included Guloglan Mirzaliyev, who suffered a severe ankle injury from a mine, and Elnur Amiraslanov, who was shot in Tartar in 2018.
The hearing also heard accounts of torture and captivity. Bakhtiyar Mammadov was held captive for three years, during which he endured inhumane treatment. Similarly, Amin Musayev described his ordeal, including deliberate medical mistreatment and torture while being held in Armenia.
The court proceedings are part of a larger case involving 15 Armenian-origin defendants accused of crimes during the war, with charges ranging from terrorism to genocide and violations of international law. The trial is set to continue as more evidence and testimonies are presented.