Baku: The Baku Military Court has resumed open hearings on the criminal cases against several Armenian citizens, facing charges related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and terrorism, stemming from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the trial, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, alongside Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, continued to ensure due process by providing each defendant with an interpreter and legal counsel. The session saw participation from the accused, their lawyers, victims, their representatives, and state prosecutors.

The hearing included testimonies from victims such as Ingilab Mammadov, who recounted the missile attack during the 44-day Patriotic War, which injured him and his children. Elchin Baghirov shared similar experiences of suffering material and moral damage due to missile attacks, which left his uncle unable to work.

Elmaddin Alishanov narrated his ordeal of losing vision in one eye due to a mine explosion in Gubadli district, while Samir Sultanov recounted being captured in Fuzuli district in 1994 and detained in Armenia’s Gorus district before being released in 1995.

Further testimonies included accounts from Balagardash Malikmammadov, who was wounded in a mine explosion, and Nazarali Karimov, who was injured during an attack in Tartar district. Samir Piriyev, Murad Babayev, and several others also gave testimonies of being injured during the Patriotic War.

Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the court personnel and explained the legal rights to new victims attending the session. The testimonies highlighted the extensive violence and hardship faced by Azerbaijani civilians and soldiers during the conflict.

The court proceedings, involving a panel of judges and interpreters, are set to continue on August 7, addressing charges against 15 defendants of Armenian origin. The accused face multiple charges under various articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, including planning and waging aggressive war, genocide, terrorism, and other related offenses.

The criminal cases underscore the severe impact of the military conflict on civilians and military personnel and the ongoing pursuit of justice for victims of the aggression.