Baku: The open court hearing concerning the criminal cases against several citizens of the Republic of Armenia resumed at the Baku Military Court. The accused, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan, face charges of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, genocide, and other offenses linked to Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan. Under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, the trial ensured that all accused were provided with translators and defense lawyers.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the court proceedings continued with the reading of the preliminary investigation testimonies of the accused Garik Martirosyan. His testimony outlined his involvement in military activities from early 1993 to late 1994, during the 44-day war in 2020, and in 2023, where he served at combat posts against Azerbaijani forces. Martirosyan’s involvement with the ‘Askeran self-defense units’ and his financial gains from the ‘Askeran District Executive Authority’ were highlighted, along with his capture during Azerbaijan’s anti-terrorist operation.
The testimony of Gurgen Stepanyan was also presented. He detailed his military conscription in 2005 and subsequent service in Hadrut, under Armenian occupation. Stepanyan served alongside others in the Askeran District until September 2023, when he was captured.
Madat Babayan’s testimony revealed his participation in the formation of armed groups from 1988 in Khankendi, leading to massacres against Azerbaijani populations. He described the February 1992 attack on Khojaly, led by Arkadi Shirinyan, where extreme atrocities were committed against civilians. Babayan named Vamik Petrosyan and Shirin Shirinyan as particularly cruel during the massacre.
Further testimonies included Melikset Pashayan, who served in military units from 1993 to 2023, and David Allahverdiyan, whose service spanned from 2006 to his capture in 2023. Allahverdiyan’s roles within the unrecognized regime and his eventual capture during the anti-terrorist operation were noted.
Vasili Beqlaryan’s testimony recounted his military service starting in 2011 and his eventual capture during the September 2023 operation. Erik Ghazaryan’s testimony detailed his contracted military service beginning in 2021, influenced by offers from Armenian billionaire Ruben Vardanyan.
The court proceedings are set to continue, as the charges against the accused are further examined.