Baku: The Baku Military Court resumed proceedings on the criminal cases against several Armenian citizens on August 7, focusing on charges related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and acts of terrorism, among others. The defendants, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and others, are accused of orchestrating military aggression against Azerbaijan.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the trial was overseen by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, and reserve judge Gunel Samadova. The court ensured legal counsel and interpreters were available to the accused. The session was attended by the accused, their legal teams, victims, victim representatives, and state prosecutors.
During the hearing, Judge Aghayev introduced the court officials to the victims and outlined their rights and responsibilities. New documents were submitted, noting the absence of some victims, with updates added to the case file without any objections.
Testimonies were heard from victims and their legal heirs, detailing instances of death and injury due to conflicts with Armenian forces. Ulviyya Abdurrahmanova, Adil Ibrahimli, and Bayram Asgarov described the loss of family members during the 2020 Patriotic War and earlier clashes. Survivors like Rusif Safarov and others testified about injuries sustained from Armenian provocations in various incidents over the years.
Victims recounted experiences of captivity and torture, with testimonies from individuals like Sharif Aliyev and Nail Rajabli highlighting the harsh conditions and abuse they endured. The court also heard from those injured by mine explosions and gunfire during military operations.
The trial is set to continue on August 8. Fifteen defendants face charges under numerous articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, including planning and waging a war of aggression, genocide, and terrorism, reflecting the severity of the alleged crimes committed during the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict.