Baku: The Baku Military Court has resumed its open hearings on the criminal case against several Armenian nationals, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and others. They face multiple charges such as crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and forcible seizure of power, committed during Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the hearing, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and assisted by Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, provided interpretation services and legal defense for each defendant. The session was attended by the accused, their legal teams, victims, their legal successors and representatives, and state prosecutors. Judge Aghayev introduced the court participants and informed the victims of their rights and obligations.
Mehriban Bakirova, a victim, recounted her ordeal during the Khojaly genocide in 1992, where she was taken hostage by Armenian forces and tortured while her children suffered. Her testimony included the tragic death of her daughter, Gunay, at age 15 due to injuries sustained in captivity.
Mursal Ilyasov, another victim, shared his experience of being attacked and injured by Armenian forces, witnessing the deaths of family members, and enduring torture while held hostage. His testimony highlighted the brutal attack on Khojaly residents.
Several other victims, including Alovsat Guliyev, Avaz Abbasov, and Giyas Aliyev, provided detailed accounts of the violence and atrocities they faced, including gunshot wounds, family deaths, and captivity under harsh conditions. They responded to questions from state prosecutors, recounting the horrors of the Armenian aggression.
The court also heard from numerous victims, including Sadig Rahimov, Tunzala Pashayeva, and Valida Nasibova, who testified about their losses and the violence inflicted upon them and their families during the conflict. Each account further illustrated the widespread impact of the war crimes committed against Azerbaijani civilians.
The trial, addressing the crimes committed during the Armenian occupation of Azerbaijani territories, is scheduled to continue. The defendants face charges under numerous articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, including war crimes, terrorism, and genocide, reflecting the severity of the allegations against them.