Baku: The open court session resumed at the Baku Military Court, where Armenian citizens, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, and others, are on trial for alleged crimes against peace and humanity. These charges include war crimes, genocide, terrorism, and other offenses linked to Armenia’s military actions against Azerbaijan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Judge Zeynal Aghayev led the proceedings, supported by Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev. The defendants were provided legal representation and interpretation services. The session included the presence of the accused, their lawyers, victims, and state prosecutors.

Prosecutors presented a 2016 video interview of Davit Ishkhanyan, where he discussed the activities of ‘Dashnaktsutyun’ supporters in Azerbaijani territory during the early 1990s. Ishkhanyan highlighted the strategic operations of the group in Karabakh and expressed his view that Karabakh should unite with Armenia. State prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev questioned Ishkhanyan, who claimed his statements reflected the views of the so-called ‘parliament’ he served in.

The court also reviewed a 1993 meeting video between Armenia’s first president, Levon Ter-Petrosyan, and representatives of the former so-called entity. Ter-Petrosyan discussed a ‘secret document’ guaranteeing security support for the illegal entity, mentioning Armenia’s commitment to military intervention if necessary. Defendant Arkadi Ghukasyan confirmed his presence at the meeting, describing it as a pivotal moment following the occupation of Kalbajar.

Further, the court examined footage featuring Levon Mnatsakanyan discussing his involvement in the occupation of Shusha. Mnatsakanyan initially denied the statements but was shown video evidence contradicting his claims. He eventually acknowledged his unit’s coordination in the Shusha operation.

The court proceedings are scheduled to continue on May 23, with the defendants facing multiple charges under Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, including those related to war aggression, genocide, and terrorism.