Baku: The Baku Military Court has announced its verdict in the trial of multiple Armenian citizens accused of grave crimes, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, stemming from Armenia's military actions against Azerbaijan. Among the accused were Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the court proceedings, which began in January of the previous year, concluded with the announcement of sentences for those found guilty. The court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, alongside Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, delivered life sentences to several of the accused, including Harutyunyan, Mnatsakanyan, Manukyan, Ishkhanyan, and Babayan, for their roles in planning and executing aggressive war, committing genocide, and other severe violations of international law.

The court noted that while certain charges against Gukasyan and Sahakyan carried life sentences, they were instead given 20-year sentences due to age considerations, with part of their terms to be served in high-security facilities. Other defendants received varying sentences based on their involvement and the charges proven against them.

The individuals were charged under numerous articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, relating to aggressive war, genocide, terrorism, and other violations. The court also addressed the reclassification and removal of specific charges due to the expiration of statutes of limitations and other legal considerations.

This case underscores the complex legal proceedings following the acts of aggression and the challenges of addressing crimes committed during conflicts. The verdict marks a significant judicial step in the aftermath of the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, reflecting the ongoing tensions and the pursuit of legal resolutions in the region.