Baku: The open court session in the criminal case against Armenian citizens Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, who are accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including preparing and waging aggressive war, genocide, violating the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing terrorism, forcibly seizing power, forcibly retaining it, and committing numerous other crimes as a result of Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on May 15, APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, at the Baku Military Court, under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (alternate judge Gunel Samedova), each of the defendants was provided with an interpreter in their known language and with lawyers for their defense. The session was attended by the defendants, their lawyers, some of the victims, their legal successors and representatives, as well as prosecutors defending the state prosecution. Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the court panel, interpreters, etc., to the victims who were attending the process for the first time, and explained their rights and responsibilities as provided for by law.
David Babayan's lawyer requested to be replaced due to ongoing medical treatment for an illness, to which David Babayan had no objection. The court continued with the questioning of the victims, starting with Sujaat Madatov, who recounted the killing of his wife by Armenian rocket fire on May 16, 1992, in Fuzuli. Agshin Aghazadeh testified about the loss of his father and brother due to a rocket attack on March 16, 1992, by Armenian forces.
Rey Gasimov narrated the continuous shelling of Aghdam by Armenian forces since spring 1992, which resulted in numerous deaths and injuries, including his aunt. In his testimony, Karim Novruzov detailed the March 12, 1992, attack on Aghdara, resulting in the deaths of his family members and many villagers. Bakhtiyar Alasgarov recounted the attack on his village by Armenian forces, leading to the death of several family members.
Elshad Aslanov and Kenan Bayramov shared their harrowing experiences of Armenian attacks and the resulting casualties, including Bayramov's health deterioration during testimony. Vagif Maharramov spoke of the devastation during the occupation of Jabrayil, citing the loss of life and property. Elkhan Mehdiyev and Osman Valiyev provided further insights into the atrocities committed during the occupations of Gubadli and Zangilan, respectively.
As the court proceedings continue, the testimonies underline the severe impact of the Armenian military actions on Azerbaijani civilians, with numerous allegations of war crimes being brought against the accused. The court process is set to continue on May 16.