Baku: An open court hearing continued on July 17 at the Baku Military Court, addressing the criminal case against several citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of severe offenses related to Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan. The accused include Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and others, facing charges of crimes against peace, war crimes, and genocide, as well as terrorism and other serious violations.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the hearing presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, ensured interpreters and legal counsel for the defendants. Attendees included the accused, their legal representatives, victims, and state prosecutors. The session was an opportunity for victims to testify about their experiences and the atrocities they endured.

Victim Aladdin Akbarov recounted his 1990 captivity, where he suffered severe physical abuse, resulting in significant weight loss. Idris Mammadov shared his ordeal from 1993, where he faced harsh conditions and torture during his detention. Maarif Rustamov provided details of his injuries from the 44-day war in 2020, while Ilham Asgarov recounted the torture he suffered after being captured in 1993.

Other testimonies included Bakhtiyar Jalilov, who was injured by sniper fire in 2020, and Suleyman Sofuyev, injured during the 2016 clashes. Sohrab Asgarov and Teymur Khidirov shared their experiences of injury from Armenian provocations. Imran Imranli and Renat Aliyev described being wounded in 2021 and 2020, respectively.

Numerous other victims, including Shirin Bayramov and Etibar Mammadov, testified about their captivity and the brutal conditions they faced, while witnesses like Firangul Karimova provided harrowing accounts of the Khojaly genocide. The court heard stories of injuries from mine explosions and sniper attacks, highlighting the extensive suffering endured by Azerbaijani citizens.

The trial, which involves fifteen Armenian-origin defendants, will continue on July 18. The accused are charged with crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by Armenia against Azerbaijan, orchestrated under the leadership of various Armenian officials and military personnel. The proceedings aim to address the grave violations of both domestic and international legal norms perpetrated during the conflict.