Baku, July 11, 2025 – The Europe Today: The Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev, on Wednesday continued its open court proceedings concerning a series of grave criminal charges brought against 15 Armenian nationals. These individuals, including prominent former officials such as Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Davit Ishkhanyan, are accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, genocide, and gross violations of international humanitarian law during Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.
According to AZERTAC, the proceedings were held with full procedural transparency. Defense attorneys and interpreters were provided for the accused, while victims, their legal heirs, and state prosecutors were present in the courtroom. The court panel and rights of the participants were formally introduced.
Harrowing Testimonies from Victims of Occupation and Genocide
Multiple victims of Armenia’s military aggression, particularly those who survived the Khojaly genocide and attacks on Azerbaijani villages in the early 1990s, gave graphic and emotional testimonies.
- Vugar Eminov described being captured in 1994 while wounded in Aghdam’s Gulluja village. He recounted daily torture using rubber batons, iron rods, and electric shocks while held in Shusha and Khankendi.
- Teyyib Ismayilov testified to being gravely wounded during shelling of civilian areas by Armenian forces.
- Imran Guliyev spoke of the death of his sister and the continued disappearance of his brother following Armenia’s occupation of Khojaly.
- Ramil Alakbarov, only 12 at the time, recalled being shot and held hostage alongside over 200 civilians. He witnessed the execution of fellow captives.
- Ramin Azizov, Mubariz Hamidov, and Ramin Baghirov, all minors at the time, gave disturbing accounts of imprisonment, frostbite, and loss of family members due to Armenian attacks.
Other victims described prolonged captivity, inhumane treatment, and severe torture during imprisonment in Shusha, Khankendi, and Armenian territory. Several reported executions of relatives, enforced disappearances, and acts of mutilation. The court also heard forensic reports verifying their injuries and trauma.
Charges and Accused
The case concerns a broad array of charges under Azerbaijani criminal law, including:
- Planning and waging an aggressive war (Article 100)
- Genocide (Article 103)
- Torture (Article 113)
- Terrorism and financing terrorism (Articles 214 and 214-1)
- Creation of criminal organizations (Article 218)
- War crimes, enforced disappearances, and attacks on civilians
Among those indicted are:
- Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan
- Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan
- Bako Sahaki Sahakyan
- Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan
- David Azatini Manukyan
- Davit Klimi Babayan
- Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, and others.
They are accused of direct or indirect involvement in orchestrating or executing crimes during Armenia’s occupation of Azerbaijani territories. The indictment also cites the command responsibility of high-ranking Armenian figures such as Robert Kocharyan, Serzh Sargsyan, and others for facilitating, directing, and condoning illegal actions through written and verbal orders, logistical support, and military control.
Next Hearing and Legal Proceedings
The trial is being held in accordance with both domestic and international legal standards, with emphasis on transparency, victim rights, and due process.
The next session of the court is scheduled for July 11, as the panel continues to hear witness testimonies and evaluate evidence, including forensic documentation and legal arguments from both prosecution and defense.
The proceedings mark a significant step in addressing historical injustices, and represent the Azerbaijani state’s ongoing efforts to pursue accountability for atrocities committed during the decades-long conflict.
