Baku: During the ongoing trial at the Baku Military Court on March 17, defendant Lyova Mnatsakanyan stated that he was appointed as the so-called “defense minister” and “commander” of the “army” of the illegal regime by then-President of Armenia Serzh Sargsyan in June 2015.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Mnatsakanyan revealed that his appointment was initially recommended by then-Armenian Defense Minister Seyran Ohanyan and subsequently approved by Sargsyan. Mnatsakanyan claimed that during their meeting, Sargsyan emphasized the significance of the post.

The so-called “official information” released by the illegal regime in 2015 alleged that Mnatsakanyan was appointed by then-“president” Bako Sahakyan. The court proceedings against Armenian citizens continue, focusing on accusations of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes including preparing and conducting a war of aggression, acts of genocide, violations of the laws and customs of warfare, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure of power, and other offenses committed during Armenia’s military aggression.