Baku: The Baku Court of Appeal continued its hearings on July 24 regarding the appeals filed by several Armenian citizens, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and Bako Sahakyan, who were previously convicted by the Baku Military Court. These individuals were charged with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and various other offenses related to Armenia's military actions 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 on the panel, and Judge Ali Mammadov serving as the reserve judge. The appellants were provided with interpreters in Armenian and Russian, as well as legal counsel to ensure their right to defense.

The hearing was attended by representatives of the victims and state prosecutors, including Abbas Abbasli, Anar Alakbarov, and Sevinj Gasimova. Abbas Abbasli highlighted several criminal acts committed by Armenian forces during the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020 and argued that Arayik Harutyunyan's appeal was baseless due to evidence of his involvement in a criminal organization supported by Armenia.

Anar Alakbarov presented evidence related to crimes committed in Azerbaijan's formerly occupied territories and argued against Bako Sahakyan's appeal. Sevinj Gasimova addressed the evidence against Arkadi Ghukasyan, noting the appeal was unfounded. The prosecution maintained that all evidence had been thoroughly examined and confirmed by testimonies, forensic opinions, and material evidence.

The court scheduled the next hearing for July 27. Previously, on February 5, 2026, the Baku Military Court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan and several others to life imprisonment, while Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan received 20-year sentences. Additional sentences ranged from 15 to 19 years for other accused individuals.