Baku: During ongoing proceedings at the Baku Military Court, victim Rahila Hajiyeva recounted harrowing experiences of the Khojaly genocide, stating that she and her family were taken hostage by Armenian armed forces in February 1992.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Hajiyeva shared that her family originally resided in Khankendi but were forced to flee due to escalating pressures against Azerbaijanis, first moving to Shusha and then to Khojaly. During the tragic events in Khojaly, her family was captured by Armenian forces.

Hajiyeva provided a chilling account of her husband’s fate, who was targeted due to his involvement in the battles. She revealed that Armenian forces had set a reward for his death and recounted his beheading. Additionally, her ten-year-old daughter was subjected to a brutal assault, being thrown from a second-story window, resulting in a broken leg. Hajiyeva described the severe torture her family endured during captivity.

The court also heard her testimony about the fate of the pregnant daughter-in-law of Jalil, a Khankendi resident, who was disemboweled by Armenian servicemen, resulting in the death of both mother and child.

The ongoing court proceedings are addressing charges against Armenian nationals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, terrorism, and violations of the laws and customs of war. The charges further encompass financing terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and other significant offenses.