Baku: Madat Babayan, an Armenian citizen who confessed to participating in the Khojaly genocide, has been sentenced to 19 years in prison by the Baku Military Court.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the trial has been closely watched as it involved multiple citizens of Armenia accused of serious crimes.

The court found Babayan guilty of crimes that typically warrant life imprisonment. However, due to his age-65 at the time of sentencing-life imprisonment was not applicable under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Instead, the court handed down a 19-year sentence.

During the proceedings, it was revealed that prosecutors had initially recommended a 20-year sentence for Babayan. His confession to participating in the genocide as part of the Armenian armed forces was a significant aspect of the trial.

The case is part of a larger legal process involving Armenian citizens charged with crimes against peace and humanity, including war crimes, genocide, and other serious offenses. These charges stem from Armenia's military actions and alleged violations of international law. The trials continue as the courts proceed with further verdicts.