Baku, May 31, 2025 – The Europe Today: The Baku Military Court continued its open session on May 30 in the high-profile criminal proceedings against several Armenian nationals accused of serious crimes committed during Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan. Among the accused are former separatist leaders Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others.
The defendants stand charged with a wide range of offenses including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, genocide, terrorism, forcible seizure of power, and other grave violations of international law. These charges stem from acts committed in the context of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, particularly during the 2020 Patriotic War.
Presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (alternate judge Gunel Samadova), the court ensured that all defendants were granted legal representation and interpretation services in their native language. The session was attended by the accused, their legal teams, state prosecutors, and several victims and their legal successors.
At the outset, Judge Aghayev introduced court personnel and interpreters, and informed first-time participants of their legal rights and responsibilities. Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev presented findings from expert examinations and protocols related to acts of aggression carried out during the July 2020 Tovuz clashes—known as the “Tovuz battles”—in which the Armenian armed forces allegedly targeted civilian areas, resulting in civilian casualties and property destruction.
Aliyev stated that the aggressive war continued from July 12 to July 25, 2020, during which Armenian forces shelled villages in Tovuz and Gazakh districts using heavy weaponry. These actions reportedly led to the death of a civilian and extensive destruction of private homes and farms in multiple settlements.
The hearing also included emotional testimonies from victims of the 44-day war in 2020.
Victim Elchin Shirinov recounted being seriously injured by a “Smerch” missile while driving through Barda on October 28. He emphasized that there were no military installations at the site of the attack. Faig Karimov testified to losing his eye and sustaining other serious injuries after being hit by shrapnel during another missile attack in Barda. Shukur Karimli described how multiple shells fell near a neighbor’s home in Garayusifli village, injuring him and his sister.
Testimonies were also heard from military servicemen. Rasim Yakhin, who fought in Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Khojavend, and Shusha, lost his left wrist and eye to a tank shell. Tural Tavakkuloglu recounted being wounded in the Dashkasan-Kalbajar direction. Bakhtiyar Kazimov and Sarkhan Abbasov described suffering injuries during active combat, while Abbasov added that Armenian forces had targeted marked ambulance vehicles and committed inhumane acts against Azerbaijani servicemen.
Victims Ramiz and Vugar Aghayev testified about the deadly missile attack on Ganja on October 17, 2020, which killed 16 people, including Ramiz’s father, and injured many others. Additional testimonies were presented by victims who were displaced, injured, or otherwise affected by the conflict.
During the proceedings, forensic medical examination results were disclosed. Prosecutors also examined criminal case materials related to missile attacks launched between October 4 and 18, 2020, which caused heavy civilian casualties and destruction in Ganja.
The court reviewed documents indicating that these attacks were carried out under direct orders from senior Armenian military officials. The attacks employed powerful “9K72” Elbrus operational-tactical missile systems and “9K58” multiple rocket launchers from within Armenian territory, targeting exclusively civilian areas in Ganja.
Evidence showed that 26 civilians were killed and 175 others injured in these attacks. Specific names of Armenian military personnel allegedly responsible for authorizing and executing the strikes were submitted into the record. Among them were Colonel Artashen Hajatyan, Lieutenant Colonel Ara Sargsyan, Lieutenant Colonel Vazgen Vardanyan, and Lieutenant Colonel Tigran Vardanyan.
In particular, the October 17 strike using Elbrus missiles launched from Khnatsakh reportedly caused the deaths of 15 civilians and injured 79 others to varying degrees. The attacks resulted in significant damage to public and private property, including residential buildings.
The court session concluded with the announcement that further hearings will continue on June 2.
The proceedings mark a significant step in Azerbaijan’s pursuit of justice for war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law committed during the conflict.
