Baku: Court hearings have continued regarding the criminal case against several Armenian nationals accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, including acts of genocide and violations of warfare laws during Armenia’s military aggression. Among those on trial are Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Davit Ishkhanyan. The Baku Military Court proceedings, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, are focused on the Khojaly genocide of 1992, examining the actions and responsibilities of the accused individuals.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the court sessions included the presence of the accused, their defense attorneys, and victims’ representatives. During the hearings, Arkady Ghukasyan addressed questions related to the Khojaly genocide, acknowledging that he learned about the tragic events through official reports in February 1992. He condemned the killing of civilians, describing it as a severe atrocity and naming Serzh Sargsyan and Arkady Ter-Tadevosyan as key figures in the self-styled republic’s leadership during the genocide.
Bako Sahakyan, another accused, claimed ignorance of the detailed events in Khojaly but maintained his condemnation of such violence. He referenced video materials and documents presented in court, which he claimed to have previously been unaware of. The involvement of the 366th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the former Soviet Army, including Seyran Ohanyan, was also highlighted during the proceedings.
David Ishkhanyan and David Babayan, both accused, spoke on different aspects of the Khojaly events. Ishkhanyan criticized the barbarism seen in the images of the genocide, while Babayan denied involvement in the operation. Babayan also mentioned the establishment of a medal for the “Liberation of Khojaly” in the so-called republic, yet struggled to answer questions regarding the alleged corridor for civilians during the genocide.
Arayik Harutyunyan labeled the Khojaly events as the greatest tragedy of the First Karabakh War, indicating that military operations were likely conducted under Arkady Ter-Tadevosyan’s instructions. He emphasized the lack of discussions surrounding the operation within the so-called republic.
The court reviewed a report by the ‘Memorial’ Human Rights Center, which detailed mass human rights violations during the Khojaly operation. The report highlighted organized deportations and killings of civilians, condemning these actions as violations of the Geneva Conventions and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The next hearing is scheduled for April 24. The case involves 15 Armenian nationals charged with numerous crimes, including military aggression and acts of terror against Azerbaijan. These charges encompass a wide range of serious offenses, reflecting the extensive scope of the alleged crimes.