Baku: The open court hearing in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasian, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, and others, accused of serious crimes such as war crimes and crimes against humanity, resumed at the Baku Military Court. The session, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev with judges Camal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, saw each defendant provided with interpreters and defense attorneys to ensure procedural compliance.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the prosecution, led by Vusal Aliyev, First Deputy Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan, addressed the defense’s arguments about the nature of the accused’s alleged criminal association. Aliyev highlighted evidence indicating systematic support for militant groups by Armenia’s leadership, transforming them into key political and military figures within the self-proclaimed entity in the occupied Azerbaijani territories. Specific defendants, such as David Manukyan and Davit Ishkhanyan, were identified as leaders of militarized formations involved in the occupation.
The prosecution maintained that the responsibility of the defendants remains despite Armenia’s proven occupation of Azerbaijani territories. Aliyev emphasized that the accused were active members of a criminal association, with some holding high-ranking positions within the Armenian state apparatus. He detailed the roles of various defendants in military operations, asserting their individual criminal responsibility for the occupation of Azerbaijani territories.
Representatives of the victims, including Shaig Huseynov and Aydin Hajiyev, called for a strict indictment and fair punishment, arguing that the defendants violated constitutional rights through their actions. Defense lawyers, such as Vugar Heydarov and Pervana Gasimova, presented counterarguments, emphasizing the weight of court testimony over pre-trial statements and requesting acquittals for their clients.
The defendants were given the opportunity to make final statements, with many denying guilt and rejecting the allegations. As the hearing concluded with the court announcing a recess, the proceedings are set to resume on December 19.