Baku: On June 30, the Baku Court of Appeal continued the hearing of appeals filed by Armenian citizens, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others. These individuals were previously convicted by the Baku Military Court for crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including planning and waging an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure of power, and other crimes related to Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the court session was presided over by Judge Elmar Rahimov, with Judges Emin Mehdiyev and Mehriban Garayeva participating, and reserve judge Ali Mammadov. Each defendant was provided an interpreter fluent in Armenian and Russian, along with legal counsel, to ensure their defense. Representatives of the victims and state prosecutors, including Abbas Abbasli, Anar Alakbarov, and Sevinc Gasimova, were also present.
At the beginning of the hearing, it was noted that one of the two lawyers representing defendants Madat Babayan and David Babayan could not attend due to health issues. Consequently, new defense lawyers were appointed for them at the state's expense. The newly appointed lawyers were introduced to the defendants, who did not object to their participation.
The proceedings continued with defendant Davit Ishkhanyan addressing the court. He expressed his desire to submit notes he had prepared after reviewing the court hearing records. The presiding judge informed him that his comments needed to be translated into Azerbaijani before submission. Arrangements were made for Ishkhanyan's notes to be given to an interpreter.
David Babayan also addressed the court, requesting a meeting with his newly appointed defense lawyer. Oral arguments by the defense followed, with Davit Allahverdiyan's counsel requesting his acquittal, supported by Allahverdiyan himself.
Counsel for Melikset Pashayan requested the court overturn the guilty verdict from February 5, 2026, and issue an acquittal. Pashayan, echoing his lawyer, denied the charges against him. The defense for Davit Ishkhanyan similarly requested an acquittal.
The court declared a recess for confidential meetings between the defendants and their lawyers. After the recess, the hearing resumed with further arguments. Ishkhanyan requested that copies of his appeal and petition be added to the case file, stating his disagreement with the charges.
The next court hearing is scheduled for July 3. Under the February 5, 2026 verdict, several defendants, including Harutyunyan and Mnatsakanyan, received life sentences, while others received sentences ranging from 15 to 20 years.