Baku: The open court hearing session for criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and others, continued at the Baku Military Court. The accused face charges related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and other offenses stemming from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the session was chaired by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with a panel including Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev. Each accused individual was provided with an interpreter and legal representation. The session included the accused, their defenders, victims, their legal heirs, and state prosecutors.

Accused Davit Ishkhanyan requested that additional materials be examined as evidence, which the presiding judge agreed to consider. Similarly, David Babayan requested the inclusion of documents related to several incidents. Arkady Ghukasyan expressed disagreement with some examined documents.

Statements from victims unable to attend the session were announced. Shakir Albaliyev recounted his capture and torture by Armenian forces in 1993, while Elshan Nuhiyev described the abduction and torture of his family in 1993. Mehriban Karimova provided harrowing details of an attack on her village, witnessing brutal killings by Armenian soldiers.

The court proceedings also heard from other victims, detailing various incidents of violence and captivity. The session highlighted the extensive charges against the accused, including crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by Armenia against Azerbaijan.

The court proceedings are set to continue on October 23, with fifteen Armenian-origin defendants facing numerous charges under Azerbaijani law, including war crimes, terrorism, and genocide. The crimes were reportedly carried out under the leadership of Armenian state officials and military personnel.