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, accused of war crimes and numerous other offenses related to Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan, resumed on December 22.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the session was conducted at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, along with reserve judge Gunel Samadova. The accused were provided with interpreters and defense attorneys to ensure compliance with procedural rights. Present at the hearing were the accused, their lawyers, some victims, their legal representatives, and state prosecutors.

During the session, presiding judge Zeynal Aghayev stated that the proceedings were continuing with the final statements from the accused. David Babayan, who was unable to complete his statement in the previous hearing, resumed and asserted his innocence, expressing gratitude to his defense attorneys and translators.

In a notable statement, accused Levon Mnatsakanyan requested to deliver his final remarks in Russian, which was granted by the court. Mnatsakanyan explained the involvement of Armenia as a security guarantor for Garabagh and described military operations coordinated by the Armenian general staff. He denied allegations regarding his military conscription and dismissed claims of mercenaries fighting for Armenians.

Mnatsakanyan also addressed claims made by victim Ilham Mammadov, who accused him of torture, denying any such actions. He refuted allegations of participating in the planning of the attack on Shushakand during the 44-day War in 2020, clarifying that he was not involved in military operations during 2020-2023. He described his presence at a meeting as coincidental, emphasizing his role in civil defense discussions.

Furthermore, Mnatsakanyan commented on the April battles of 2016, denying the prosecution's evidence and the victims' statements regarding attacks on Azerbaijani positions, asserting his role as an 'army commander' at that time.

The court proceedings are scheduled to resume on December 23.