Baku: The open court session at the Baku Military Court has concluded the defense speeches in the high-profile trial against several Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and other serious offenses related to military aggression against Azerbaijan. The court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Aghayev with a panel including Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, provided interpreters and legal defense for the accused, ensuring adherence to procedural requirements.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the court session featured defense arguments for each accused individual. Agshin Mammadli, representing Davit Ishkhanyan, emphasized the importance of justice and the presumption of innocence, urging the court to base its decision solely on indisputable evidence. He requested an acquittal for Ishkhanyan, a sentiment echoed by his co-counsel Elchin Amirov.
Representing Levon Balayan, lawyer Vafa Mehdiyeva highlighted Balayan’s military service from 1995 to 1998, asserting the absence of criminal elements in his actions and seeking an acquittal. Sagi Mammadov, also defending Balayan, supported this request.
For Davit Allahverdiyan, defense lawyer Nizami Aliyev argued that the evidence against his client was unfounded, calling for an acquittal. Elmaddin Mammadov, another lawyer for Allahverdiyan, concurred with this assessment.
Natig Mustafayev, defending Erik Ghazaryan, noted that Ghazaryan voluntarily surrendered and denied guilt, advocating for an acquittal. Elnaz Samadova, representing Melikset Pashayan, stated that Pashayan did not engage in combat and contested the charges, requesting acquittal.
Lawyers Ogtay Madatov and Khayyam Asgarov sought a just verdict for Levon Mnatsakanyan, insisting on his innocence. Nigar Mirbabayeva, defending Bako Sahakyan, portrayed Sahakyan’s role as humanitarian, arguing against criminal intent and seeking acquittal. Gulara Ismayilova, also for Sahakyan, supported this plea.
Rashadat Akhundov, representing Garik Martirosyan, stated that no evidence linked Martirosyan to criminal activities, advocating for a just verdict. Javid Rzazade, defending Arayik Harutyunyan, disputed the charges, attributing responsibility for rocket attacks during the 2020 war to Armenian leadership, not Harutyunyan. Anar Mammadov, co-counsel for Harutyunyan, supported these assertions.
The court proceedings are set to continue on December 11, with the defense maintaining a collective stance for acquittals based on the evidence presented.