Baku: The court hearing on the appeals filed by Armenian citizens Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others continued at the Baku Court of Appeal. These individuals were previously convicted by the Baku Military Court for crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, violent seizure of power, and numerous 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. Reserve judge Ali Mammadov was also present. Each defendant involved in the appellate proceedings was provided with interpreters in languages they understand, namely Armenian and Russian, as well as defense lawyers to ensure their right to defense.

Representatives of the victims and state prosecutors, including Abbas Abbasli, head of a department of the Prosecutor General's Office Directorate for Public Prosecution, and prosecutors Anar Alakbarov and Sevinc Gasimova, were present at the hearing. During the session, defendant Levon Mnatsakanyan reiterated his stance, asserting his innocence and asking the court to consider the video materials and facts presented by the prosecution.

The defense lawyer for Erik Ghazaryan supported his client's appeal, with Ghazaryan himself maintaining his innocence. Garik Martirosyan's lawyer requested a reduction in charges, while Martirosyan also proclaimed his innocence. The lawyer for Levon Balayan sought an acquittal, supported by Balayan's agreement with his counsel's statement. Similarly, Gurgen Stepanyan's lawyer requested the overturning of his conviction, with Stepanyan aligning with his lawyer's arguments.

The next court hearing is scheduled for June 30. Earlier, on February 5, 2026, the Baku Military Court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, and David Babayan to life imprisonment. Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan were sentenced to 20 years, Madat Babayan and Melikset Pashayan to 19 years, Garik Martirosyan to 18 years, Davit Allahverdiyan and Levon Balayan to 16 years, and Vasili Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, and Erik Ghazaryan each received 15-year prison terms.