Baku: The open court hearing on the criminal cases of citizens of Armenia continued at the Baku Military Court with the announcement of documents, APA reports. Documents concerning the missile attack on Ganja city during the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020 were read out at the court hearing.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the documents, examined in episodes, noted that the Armenian armed forces, grossly violating the ceasefire regime and international law, including the requirements of the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of August 12, 1949, on October 4, 5, 8, 11, and 17, 2020, used 9K58 Smerch (BM-30) and 9K72 Elbrus missiles to strike residential areas of Ganja. These attacks targeted areas far from the front line, as well as educational and medical institutions that were non-military targets, resulting in acts of terrorism and other crimes.

During the investigation of each incident, crime scenes were inspected, and the bodies of the deceased were examined by a forensic expert. Medical reports on the victims’ injuries were obtained and added to the case file. The legal heirs of the deceased victims were identified and questioned, while decisions were made to recognize the injured persons as victims and ensure their interrogation, along with witness interviews and other investigative actions.

The documents indicated that as a result of missile attacks on Ganja city on October 4, 5, 8, 11, and 17, 2020, 26 civilians were deliberately killed, and 175 were injured to varying degrees. The casualties included 10 men, 10 women, and 6 minors among the deceased, and 61 men, 66 women, and 48 minors among the injured.

The court proceedings continue against Armenian nationals accused of crimes including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, terrorism, and violations of the laws of war. The charges also encompass financing terrorism, the violent seizure and retention of power, and other serious offenses.