Bako Sahakyan Testifies: Arming in Karabakh First Called for at Illegal Rallies
The criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Babayan, Lyova Mnatsakanyan, and others, continued with court hearings on March 10. These individuals are accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, acts of genocide, terrorism, and other offenses as a result of Armenia’s military aggression.
The hearings took place at the Baku Military Court and were presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, along with a panel of judges. Each accused person had an interpreter and defense attorneys present during the proceedings. The court session included questioning of the accused individuals by prosecutors supporting the state prosecution.
Arkadi Ghukasyan, one of the accused, denied believing in the ideology of “greater Armenia” and condemned illegal actions. He mentioned his past work as a deputy editor at a newspaper and discussed his encounters with other individuals involved in the case. Bako Sahakyan, another accused, admitted to the arming of Karabakh during illegal rallies.
The court also questioned Arayik Harutyunyan and Davit Babayan about their involvement in illegal armed formations in the region. The next court session is scheduled for March 13, where the questioning of the accused individuals will continue.
A total of 15 Armenian nationals are facing charges related to the crimes committed during the conflict, with high-ranking officials such as Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan among those implicated. The accused individuals are charged with various offenses, including planning and waging a war of aggression, genocide, terrorism, and violation of international humanitarian law.
The trial is ongoing, and the court will continue to examine the evidence and testimonies provided by the accused and other involved parties. Stay tuned for updates on this pivotal criminal case.
