Baku: The open court session continued on May 29 at the Baku Military Court in the criminal case against Armenian citizens Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others. They stand accused of crimes against peace and humanity, including war crimes, preparing and waging aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, and other grave offenses arising from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the court session, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (alternate judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that each defendant had legal representation and interpretation in their native language. The session was attended by the accused, their lawyers, several victims and their legal successors and representatives, as well as state prosecutors.
At the beginning, Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the court staff and interpreters and explained the legal rights and obligations to the victims who were participating in the court proceedings for the first time. Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev proposed continuing the trial by interviewing the victims under two chapters of the investigation and examining the related documents. The court began questioning victims of terrorist acts and other crimes committed in April 2016-known as the ‘April Battles’-and July 2020-known as the ‘Tovuz Battles.’
Victim Elmir Abbasov stated that he was injured during the April Wars in 2016 in the Tartar district, where he served in the military. He explained that Armenian forces used prohibited shells in civilian areas, which contained dangerous shrapnel that could cause mass poisoning. Abbasov was a battery commander in an artillery division at the time.
Another victim, Abbas Allahverdiyev, recounted the shelling of his village, Tap Garagoyunlu, by Armenian forces. Despite a protective stone wall built by the state, the village suffered attacks, causing personal injuries and property damage. Allahverdiyev detailed an incident where a shell landed in his yard, resulting in injuries and significant damage to his home.
Victim Elvin Karimov shared his experience of repeated shelling in the Fuzuli district. He was injured by shrapnel from an explosion in a neighbor’s yard. Karimov also noted that Armenian forces targeted civilians during routine activities.
Anar Abdullayev from the village of Chamanli described being wounded by a shell explosion near his uncle’s residence. His village, situated near the former line of contact, endured regular shelling, leading to multiple injuries and fatalities.
Victim Sirdash Karimov recounted a night in April 2016 when Armenian forces launched an attack resulting in the death of his cousin and uncle, and injuries to himself and others. He confirmed the heavy shelling of the region during that period.
Simran Guliyev and Mahbub Orujova provided further accounts of injuries sustained during Armenian attacks in April 2016 and July 2020, respectively. Both victims emphasized the absence of military targets in their villages, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the attacks.
The court session also included the presentation of expert opinions on medical examinations and inspection protocols related to Azerbaijani citizens killed by shelling in 2016. The defendants face numerous charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning and waging aggressive war, genocide, terrorism, and other serious offenses.
The next court hearing is scheduled for May 30.