Baku: Court hearings on the criminal case against a group of Armenian nationals accused of committing serious crimes against the Azerbaijani people continued at the Baku Military Court. The individuals on trial include Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Babayan, Lyova Mnatsakanyan, among others. They face charges related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and acts of terrorism, among other allegations, in connection with Armenia’s military actions.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the hearings were presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with a panel including Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, while Gunel Samadova served as the reserve judge. The accused were provided with interpreters and defense attorneys. The proceedings were attended by the accused, their defenders, some victims, legal representatives, and prosecutors.

During the session, Judge Aghayev informed each accused individual about the charges and their legal classifications, as well as potential punishments and their rights. None of the accused pleaded guilty. Arayik Harutyunyan expressed regret over the events, attributing them to actions by Soviet special services, and claimed they considered themselves victims.

Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, Vusal Aliyev, proposed a sequence for examining evidence, which was supported by the accused and their defense. The court then explained the procedure for evidence examination. The accused requested additional time to prepare for their testimonies, which the court granted, adjourning the session until February 24.

The upcoming hearing will commence with the free statement of Arkady Ghukasyan. Fifteen Armenian nationals face charges for their roles in military aggression and acts of terror against Azerbaijan, involving direct leadership and support from Armenian state bodies and military forces. The charges include a range of serious offenses under the Azerbaijani Criminal Code.