Baku: The ongoing legal proceedings against several Armenian citizens, including Arayik Harutyunyan and Arkadi Ghukasyan, have uncovered admissions regarding the sourcing of weapons for military parades held in formerly occupied Azerbaijani territories. The defendants face accusations ranging from war crimes to terrorism, linked to Armenia’s military actions against Azerbaijan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the open court session in Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev, saw the participation of defendants, their legal teams, victims, and state prosecutors. The court examined evidence of environmental and economic damage inflicted on Azerbaijan during Armenia’s military aggression.

Defendant Levon Mnatsakanyan, formerly a high-ranking official in the Armenian armed forces, disclosed that some artillery used in a 2012 military parade in Khankendi were imported from Armenia. This parade marked the 20th anniversary of the so-called regime’s “army” and featured various military equipment, including tanks and missile systems.

Mnatsakanyan also provided insights into the military hierarchy, stating that the regime’s “army” functioned under the Armenian armed forces, with appointments made by the Armenian President. He elaborated on the logistics of weapon acquisition from Armenia without financial transactions.

The court reviewed evidence of illegal exploitation of natural resources in occupied Azerbaijani districts, asserting that proceeds were funneled into bolstering the Armenian military and paramilitary organizations. Additionally, video footage from the 2012 parade was presented, alongside testimonies of the defendants’ involvement in the preparation and execution of the parade.

The session further explored the events of the 2016 “April Battles,” with Mnatsakanyan claiming defensive actions against Azerbaijani forces. He detailed the military orders received during these events, including the deployment of artillery and strategic reserves.

The trial is set to continue on June 12, with charges spanning various articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, including genocide, terrorism, and illegal possession of weapons. The defendants remain under scrutiny as the court examines the extensive list of allegations against them.