On March 6, the Baku Military Court continued the criminal proceedings against the citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Araik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Babayan, Leva Mnatsakanyan, and others. They are accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including preparing and conducting an aggressive war, genocide, violating the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and other crimes resulting from Armenia’s military aggression.
The court session was presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev. All defendants were provided with interpreters in their native language and legal defense. During the proceedings, the judge announced the appointment of an additional state-funded attorney for Bako Sahakyan. The defendant did not object to the new lawyer.
During the hearings, defendant Melikset Pashayan stated that during the 44-day war in 2020, he and a group of individuals held positions in Karabakh. Garik Matrosyan admitted to being on the front lines in the Aghdam region during the First Karabakh War and stated that during the Second Karabakh War, he was in the Askeran region. Another defendant, Levon Balayan, testified that he served in the so-called regime’s “army” controlled by Armenia during the 44-day Patriotic War and anti-terrorist operations. Defendant Madat Babayan admitted that he was in Khojaly in 1992.
Bako Sahakyan gave a brief statement in which he spoke about his activities as the “president” of the so-called regime operating under Armenia’s leadership and control. The court then proceeded to review case documents.
Assistant to the Prosecutor General Tugay Ragimli and state prosecutor Fuad Musayev presented evidence of the creation of about 40 illegal armed formations in the Armenian SSR and Karabakh, which operated under Armenia’s direction. Among them were: “Great Tigran,” “David Sasunsky,” “Archiv,” “Dashnaktsakaner,” “Shusha,” “Sasun,” “Maral,” “Aghdara Battalion,” “Khankendi Regiment,” “Sisian Battalion,” “Hadrut Battalion,” “Sasna Tsrer Battalion,” “Khachlilar,” “Yerkrap Volunteer Unit,” “Malatia,” “Arabo,” “Mush,” and others. Documents detailing the objectives, activities, and leaders of these organizations were submitted to the court.
During the hearings, Armenian Army Major General Davit Manukyan admitted that he fought against the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, confirming that he served in Armenia and participated in combat operations in both Karabakh wars. He reported that the firearms found in his possession were officially registered with the Armenian police and that his vehicle was attacked by a Bayraktar drone during the 44-day war. According to him, his driver was injured, but he himself, being 20 meters from the car, remained unharmed. Manukyan emphasized that he actively cooperated with Azerbaijani law enforcement authorities during the investigation.
Another defendant, Davit Allahverdyan, stated during his testimony that he had answered all questions during the preliminary investigation. “I was treated humanely and well, for which I am grateful. I am also ready to answer all questions now,” he noted.
It should be recalled that the court is reviewing the case of Armenian citizens accused of military aggression, crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and other crimes. The next hearing is scheduled for March 10.
