Baku: A public court hearing continued, focusing on the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan and others, accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the trial is being held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev. The accused are charged with war crimes, genocide, and other offenses stemming from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.
The court ensured that each accused person was provided with a translator and defense lawyers. The hearing was attended by the accused, their defense attorneys, victims, their representatives, and prosecutors. Judge Agayev introduced the judicial panel and explained the rights and obligations to the victims present.
Victim testimonies highlighted experiences of forced displacement, captivity, and injuries. Saadat Garayeva recounted being displaced from Kalbajar at 16, while Uruz Valiyeva described being taken hostage during the Khojaly genocide. Rashad Ismayilov detailed his capture in Jabrayil district, and Yashar Abbasov and Gismet Allahverdiyev shared their experiences of being wounded in battles.
The court heard accounts of torture and captivity from victims like Afgan Safaraliyev, who was held by Armenian forces for two years, and Elnur Hasanov, injured by a mine explosion. Many victims testified about their ongoing struggles with injuries and losses suffered during the conflict.
Fifteen Armenian-origin defendants are accused of numerous crimes committed during the war, including planning and executing military aggression against Azerbaijan. The trial will continue to determine accountability for these alleged violations of domestic and international legal norms.