Baku: The open court hearing concerning the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia continued at the Baku Military Court, with a focus on the missile attacks on Ganja. The accused, including Arayik Harutyunyan and others, are charged with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and other serious offenses.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the session was presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev on the panel. Each accused had access to interpreters and defense lawyers. The court reviewed documents related to the missile attacks during the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020. These documents revealed that the Armenian armed forces used 9K58 Smerch and 9K72 Elbrus missiles to target Ganja, resulting in extensive civilian casualties and damage.

The documents detailed that the attacks violated international law, including the Geneva Convention, by targeting civilian areas and infrastructure. The attacks on Ganja resulted in 26 civilian deaths and 175 injuries, with significant destruction of property. The missiles were launched from Vardenis, Armenia, using Soviet-era ballistic technology.

Further evidence indicated that the Armenian leadership authorized the use of these missiles, implicating high-ranking officials in the decision-making process. Accused David Manukyan claimed that the ‘leadership and army’ of the so-called regime did not have the authority to issue such orders.

The court proceedings also included requests from defense lawyers for document copies and confidential meetings with clients, which were granted. Additional documents related to attacks on other Azerbaijani regions during the war were also examined.

The trial continues with fifteen defendants facing charges under Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, including planning and waging a war of aggression, genocide, and terrorism, among others. These actions were conducted under the direct leadership of Armenian state officials and armed forces, with high-level coordination and support.

The court hearings are set to resume on October 9, with further examination of evidence related to the crimes committed during Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.