Baku: On July 3, the Baku Court of Appeals resumed hearings on the appeals filed by Armenian nationals Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others. These individuals were previously convicted by the Baku Military Court for a series of serious offenses, including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and more, as a result of Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the appeals hearing was overseen by Judge Elmar Rahimov, who was joined by Judges Emin Mehdiyev and Mehriban Garayeva, with Ali Mammadov serving as the alternate judge. The court ensured that each appellant had access to interpretation services in Armenian and Russian, as well as legal representation, to uphold their right to defense.

The session included participation from both representatives of the victims and the state prosecution team, led by Abbas Abbasli, Head of the State Prosecution Department of the Prosecutor General's Office, along with prosecutors Anar Alakbarov and Sevinj Gasimova.

During the proceedings, the court acknowledged the receipt of written comments from defendant Davit Ishkhanyan concerning the court session minutes. These comments were translated and distributed to all parties involved, and subsequently added to the case file as required by law.

The state prosecutors highlighted that Article 51.7 of the Criminal Procedure Code mandates the examination of such written comments. They argued that if any discrepancies between the written minutes and the audio recording were verified, the comments should be accepted; otherwise, they should be dismissed. The prosecution urged the court to rule based on these legal guidelines.

Victims' representatives echoed the prosecution's stance, supporting the inclusion of the defense's comments in the case file. After deliberations, the judicial panel decided to add the defense's comments to the case materials, despite not finding any inconsistencies in the minutes.

Defendant Levon Mnatsakanyan expressed a desire to submit a motion, which the presiding judge assured would be accommodated. Meanwhile, Davit Ishkhanyan, while thanking the court for its decision, reiterated his claim of innocence.

David Babayan's defense counsel argued for the overturning of his client's conviction and sought acquittal. Babayan himself maintained his stance of innocence during the hearing.

The court scheduled the continuation of the proceedings for July 7. The initial verdict by the Baku Military Court on February 5, 2026, had imposed life sentences on several defendants, including Arayik Harutyunyan and Levon Mnatsakanyan, with varying prison terms for others involved.