Baku: The open court session at the Baku Military Court continued in the criminal case against several Armenian citizens accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity. The session focused on defense speeches for the accused, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and others, who face charges such as war crimes, genocide, and terrorism stemming from Armenia’s military actions against Azerbaijan.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the court session was chaired by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with a panel that included Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev. The accused were provided interpreters and legal representation. The session saw participation from victims, their legal successors, representatives, and state prosecutors.
Agshin Mammadli, representing Davit Ishkhanyan, emphasized the court’s responsibility to uphold justice and the presumption of innocence, requesting an acquittal based on insufficient evidence. Other lawyers, including Elchin Amirov, echoed this sentiment for Ishkhanyan.
Vafa Mehdiyeva, defending Levon Balayan, argued that there were no criminal elements in her client’s actions during his military service, requesting an acquittal. Her stance was supported by Sagi Mammadov, another of Balayan’s lawyers.
Nizami Aliyev, speaking for Davit Allahverdiyan, claimed the evidence against his client was unreliable, while Natig Mustafayev, defending Erik Ghazaryan, stated that his client voluntarily surrendered and should be acquitted.
Elnaz Samadova, representing Melikset Pashayan, argued that Pashayan did not engage in combat and requested an acquittal. Defense lawyers for Levon Mnatsakanyan and Garik Martirosyan also sought just verdicts for their clients.
Nigar Mirbabayeva, defending Bako Sahakyan, highlighted Sahakyan’s humanitarian role during the conflict and requested an acquittal based on lack of evidence. Rashadat Akhundov, representing Garik Martirosyan, stressed the absence of any criminal linkage to his client.
Javid Rzazade and Anar Mammadov, defending Arayik Harutyunyan, challenged the charges related to rocket attacks during the 2020 war, asserting that these decisions were made by Armenian leadership, not Harutyunyan.
The trial, involving 15 Armenian-origin defendants, addresses allegations of crimes committed during the aggressive war led by the Armenian state against Azerbaijan, violating international norms. The proceedings will continue on December 11.