Baku: The open court hearing in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasian, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, resumed on December 22 at the Baku Military Court. The accused face charges of war crimes, crimes against peace, crimes against humanity, and other offenses related to Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan. Judge Zeynal Aghayev presided over the session, with judges Jamal Ramazanov, Anar Rzayev, and reserve judge Gunel Samadova present.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the court ensured that each accused had access to interpreters in their preferred language and defense attorneys, maintaining full compliance with procedural rights. The hearing saw attendance from the accused, their defense lawyers, victims, their legal heirs, representatives, and state prosecutors.
Judge Zeynal Aghayev noted the proceedings are ongoing with final statements from the accused. David Babayan, one of the accused, continued his statement, insisting on his and others' innocence and expressing gratitude to his defense team. He asserted, "I do not consider myself guilty under any article."
Accused Levon Mnatsakanyan requested and was granted permission to deliver his final statement in Russian. He defended his actions, explaining his military involvement was under the Republic of Armenia's directive, not as a personal initiative. He refuted allegations of mercenary involvement, stating they were volunteers.
Mnatsakanyan addressed accusations by victim Ilham Mammadov regarding alleged torture by Armenian soldiers, denying any involvement. He also disputed claims about his role in the 2020 Shushakand attack, clarifying his presence was coincidental and unrelated to military operations.
Further, Mnatsakanyan discussed his military role during the 2016 April battles, denying any offensive actions against Azerbaijani forces. The court proceedings are set to continue on December 23.
Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are implicated in this case, accused of multiple crimes during an aggressive war waged against Azerbaijan. These acts violate both domestic and international legal norms, allegedly conducted under the leadership and participation of high-ranking Armenian officials.
The accused face charges under numerous articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including crimes such as waging a war of aggression, genocide, terrorism, and illegal acquisition of weapons, among others.