Khankendi: A criminal case against an individual accused of committing terrorism and other particularly serious crimes in Khankendi has been sent to court, APA reports, citing the Press Service of the Prosecutor General’s Office.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, the preliminary investigation of the criminal case was initiated under the relevant articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office on September 14. The case involves allegations of committing terrorism resulting in an explosion by firing shots from firearms and ammunition, as well as attempting to deliberately kill more than two police officers in connection with terrorism in Khankendi.
Investigative measures have led to reasonable suspicions that Karen Avanesyan, an Armenian-origin resident of Khankendi city born in 1967, was involved in these particularly serious crimes. Avanesyan allegedly acquired an automatic firearm of the ‘AKMS’ model, its components, and a large number of hand grenades left over from illegal armed formations that were active until September 2023 in Khankendi. His alleged aim was to disrupt public security, cause panic, and commit terrorist acts with explosions and killings.
It is reported that on September 14, at around 07:00, Avanesyan left his social shelter, retrieved the hidden weapons, and entered another uninhabited house by 09:00. He took up a position to wait for the police officers. Observing a large number of approaching police officers, he allegedly deemed the conditions suitable for the pre-planned terrorism and opened multiple indiscriminate shots with the assault rifle. Subsequently, he reportedly threw hand grenades toward the area where the police officers were, resulting in injuries to three officers. Their lives were saved due to immediate evacuation and medical assistance.
Despite lawful demands and repeated warnings, Avanesyan reportedly refused to comply and was apprehended by police using firearms. He was given medical assistance and treated in a hospital afterward.
Karen Avanesyan has been charged under several articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including attempted intentional killing related to terrorism, terrorism using firearms, illegal acquisition and storage of firearms, and resistance against authority. The Khankendi City Court decided on a preventive measure of arrest for Avanesyan based on the preliminary investigation’s motion and the prosecutor’s presentation.
The preliminary investigation has concluded, and the case has been forwarded to the Ganja Court on Grave Crimes for further consideration.