Baku: The open court hearing on the criminal cases of Armenian citizens on October 16 focused on the announcement of documents related to the cases, APA reports. A document detailing the economic damage and losses was read out first, highlighting the severe impact of Armenia’s military aggression on Azerbaijan’s territories. The aggressive actions led to the complete cessation of economic activities in the affected regions, illegal exploitation of economic resources by Armenia, and significant damages and losses for Azerbaijan’s economy, population, enterprises, and the state.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the document further revealed that Armenia’s illegal exploitation of mineral resources in the occupied Azerbaijani territories spanned nearly 30 years, resulting in substantial illicit profits and economic damage to Azerbaijan. The occupation saw the unlawful extraction of ore, non-ore deposits, and groundwater, severely affecting Azerbaijan’s natural resources.
The proceedings also highlighted that Azerbaijani hydroelectric power plants in the occupied territories were exploited without environmental considerations, generating electricity unlawfully. The incomplete construction of new power plants further added to Azerbaijan’s economic losses in the hydroelectric power sector.
Additionally, Armenia’s military aggression deprived the Azerbaijani population in the occupied territories of engaging in agriculture, causing notable economic losses to both the population and the state. The document titled “Damage caused by Mines and Unexploded Ordnance” detailed how hundreds of thousands of mines and unexploded ordnance planted during the aggression have contaminated vast areas, complicating the reintegration of liberated territories into Azerbaijan.
The court proceedings continue against Armenian nationals charged with various crimes, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, terrorism, and violations of the laws of war. The charges extend to financing terrorism, the violent seizure and retention of power, and other serious offenses.