Baku: The Baku Court of Appeal resumed the hearing of appeals filed by Armenian citizens, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and others, who were convicted by the Baku Military Court for crimes against peace and humanity. These crimes included war crimes, planning and waging an aggressive war, genocide, and other offenses related to Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the court session was held under the chairmanship of Judge Elmar Rahimov, with panel members Judges Emin Mehdiyev and Mehriban Garayeva, and reserve judge Ali Mammadov. Each defendant was provided with interpreters in Armenian and Russian, as well as legal counsel. Representatives of the victims and prosecutors from the General Prosecutor's Office, including Abbas Abbasli, Anar Alakbarov, and Sevinc Gasimova, were present.

During the hearing, the presiding judge acknowledged the receipt of a translated motion submitted by defendant Davit Ishkhanyan's defense lawyer. David Babayan reiterated his claim of innocence. Ishkhanyan requested a confidential meeting with his lawyer, which was granted by the court.

Prosecutor Anar Alakbarov maintained that the defense's appeal was consistent with Ishkhanyan's prior statements and lacked grounds for the claims of rights violations. The court dismissed the motion as it was unrelated to the current stage of proceedings, allowing Ishkhanyan to meet with his lawyer.

After a recess, Arkadi Ghukasyan's defense lawyers argued for the overturning of his verdict and an acquittal. The next hearing is set for July 10. The Baku Military Court's verdict on February 5, 2026, sentenced Harutyunyan, Mnatsakanyan, Manukyan, Ishkhanyan, and Babayan to life imprisonment, while others received varying sentences.