Baku: The open court hearing in the criminal case against several Armenian citizens, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasian, and others, accused of committing war crimes against Azerbaijan, resumed today at the Baku Military Court. The proceedings, presided by Judge Zeynal Agayev with judges Camal Ramazanov, Anar Rzayev, and reserve judge Gunel Sadigova, have entered a critical phase where defendants are given the opportunity to make their final statements.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the accused are charged with a wide array of offenses such as war crimes, genocide, and terrorism, which allegedly occurred during Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan. The hearing was comprehensive, with interpreters and defense attorneys provided for each accused, ensuring their procedural rights were respected. The session saw participation from the accused, their legal representatives, victims and their representatives, as well as state prosecutors.
During the session, Vusal Aliyev, First Deputy Prosecutor General, responded to defense claims by highlighting the systematic organization and support of armed groups by Armenia’s leadership years before the First Karabakh War. He emphasized the transformation of these groups into a structured military presence within both the occupied territories and Armenia’s state apparatus, suggesting a coordinated effort in the occupation of Azerbaijani lands.
Aliyev specifically mentioned individuals like David Manukyan and Davit Ishkhanyan, linking them to restructured armed formations. He argued that the defendants’ actions, even if indirect, facilitated the occupation efforts, thereby implicating them in the alleged criminal organization.
Victim representatives, including Shaig Huseynov and Aydin Hajiyev, called for indictments and proportionate punishment, citing violations of constitutional rights such as life and security. They argued that the presence of seized weapons and lack of remorse among the accused further justified their stance.
Defense lawyers presented rebuttals, citing international precedents and arguing misclassification of charges. Vugar Heydarov and Azizaga Gafarov, representing Vasili Beglaryan, emphasized the weight of court testimony over pre-trial statements. Other defense attorneys requested acquittals, arguing their clients acted within military duties or had limited involvement.
As the hearing concluded, the accused were allowed to make final statements. Some denied guilt, claiming they fired shots only in the air or served in non-combat roles. The proceedings will resume on December 19, as the court continues to deliberate over the charges against fifteen defendants, all of Armenian origin, accused of participating in a criminal association responsible for various crimes during the conflict.