Baku: Azerbaijan has resumed its legal proceedings against several Armenian citizens accused of war crimes and other serious offenses. The open court hearing, which includes high-profile figures such as Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and Bako Sahakyan, is addressing allegations of crimes against peace, war crimes, and terrorism, among others. These charges stem from Armenia’s past military aggression against Azerbaijan.
According to Trend News Agency, the court session was held at the Baku Military Court under the leadership of Judge Zeynal Aghayev. The panel also included judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, with Gunel Samadova as a reserve judge. The accused were provided with defense lawyers and interpreters in their preferred languages. The session was attended by the accused, their defense attorneys, victims and their representatives, as well as state prosecutors.
Victim Ilham Mammadov gave testimony, recalling his capture by Armenian forces on May 10, 2002, while he was serving in the military. Mammadov recounted being unarmed at the time and subjected to torture by Armenian soldiers, identifying Levon Mnatsakanyan as particularly involved in his mistreatment. He described being beaten and forced to walk through mined areas.
In response to inquiries from the prosecutors, Mammadov detailed his six-month captivity, during which he was transferred from Azerbaijani territories occupied by Armenia to Armenia itself, before being released. He did not know Mnatsakanyan prior to his capture, but assumed Mnatsakanyan’s high rank based on his demeanor.
Accused Levon Mnatsakanyan acknowledged an incident involving the capture of an Azerbaijani soldier in 2002, but denied any torture occurred. He claimed the prisoner was treated with basic provisions and later handed over to authorities. Mnatsakanyan did not recognize Mammadov during the proceedings.
The court also addressed various procedural requests, including a confidential meeting between accused Melikset Pashayan and his lawyer, which was granted. Accused Davit Ishkhanyan requested a list of international organizations operating in Azerbaijan, which the judge explained was beyond the court’s jurisdiction.
The session included the presentation of numerous documents related to the criminal cases. These documents included evidence of attacks and sabotage by Armenian armed forces, incidents of civilian casualties from mine explosions, and damage to infrastructure and cultural heritage. The documents were accompanied by photographs and related to an array of incidents over the years, including the killing of journalist Chingiz Fuad oglu Mustafayev and attacks during the Patriotic War.
The trial is set to continue, with further sessions scheduled to examine additional evidence and testimonies.