Baku: The open court hearing on the criminal cases against several Armenian citizens, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan, continued in Baku. These individuals are accused of various crimes, including war crimes, genocide, and terrorism, linked to Armenia’s military actions against Azerbaijan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the hearing, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, saw each defendant provided with legal counsel and interpretation services. The session included the presence of defendants, their lawyers, victims, and prosecutors representing the state.

The defense attorneys presented their arguments, asserting the innocence of their clients. Zumrud Samedova, representing Gurgen Stepanyan, noted that the prosecutor had requested a 16-year prison sentence for her client. She argued that Stepanyan, who served as a conscripted soldier from 2005 to 2007, should be acquitted due to lack of proven guilt.

Rafig Karimov, another attorney for Stepanyan, echoed this request for acquittal. Similarly, Azizaga Gafarov, representing Vasili Beglaryan, argued that Beglaryan’s service as a contracted serviceman did not constitute a crime, and requested his acquittal.

Parvana Gasimova and Naile Tagiyeva, defending Arkadi Gukasyan, rejected the prosecution’s evidence and requested an acquittal. Valeh Gurbanov, representing David Manukyan, contended that his client acted in accordance with military instructions and was not guilty of the charges.

Chingiz Mansurov, defending David Babayan, emphasized that Babayan voluntarily surrendered and did not consider himself guilty, seeking acquittal. Leyla Namazzade, representing Madat Babayan, highlighted Madat’s cooperation in revealing details about past events and sought acquittal, supported by co-counsel Elnur Valiyev.

The court proceedings are scheduled to continue on December 4.