Former Armenian Official Appointed Minister in Self-Proclaimed Entity
Public Hearings Continue for Armenian Citizens Charged with War Crimes
Public hearings resumed on May 2, 2025, at the Baku Military Court regarding the criminal case against several Armenian nationals, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and Bako Sahakyan. The accused face serious charges such as crimes against peace, humanitarian law violations, war crimes, genocide, and terrorism, stemming from military aggressions involving Armenia.
The hearings, overseen by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and a panel of judges, included the defendants, their legal representatives, victims, and legal successors. Victim testimonies formed a substantial part of the proceedings, offering poignant accounts of the atrocities committed during the conflicts.
Rafig Guliyev, a resident of Garadaghli village, recounted the harrowing experiences of attacks on civilians, detailing how he and his family were held as hostages by Armenian forces. His narrative highlighted the brutality faced by Azerbaijanis during the occupation of his village, revealing torture and killings perpetrated against them.
Another victim, Namik Huseynov, shared his harrowing ordeal, remembering an attack on a local school and his injuries from the assault. He stressed the longstanding tensions and incidents of violence that preceded current hostilities, reflecting on a campaign initiated in 1988 aimed at annexing Karabakh from Azerbaijan.
Javay Huseynov, the chairman of the Garadaghli village council, also provided testimony, detailing how Armenian forces repeatedly targeted his community, resulting in dire humanitarian conditions that necessitated helicopter food deliveries.
The accused included individuals with military backgrounds, such as Davit Ishkhanyan and Levon Mnatsakanyan, both of whom were reportedly involved in various military operations against Azerbaijani territories. Their responses during questioning revealed potential inconsistencies and evasive strategies regarding their roles in the crimes.
The hearings not only spotlighted individual experiences of suffering but also aimed to shed light on broader patterns of aggression and the implications of armed conflict on civilian populations, emphasizing the need for accountability.
These proceedings are part of a larger initiative, with a total of 15 Armenian nationals charged in connection with numerous offenses linked to ongoing military operations against Azerbaijan. The court’s next session is scheduled for May 5, where additional testimonies and evidence will likely emerge.
Closing Thoughts
This ongoing trial reflects not only the quest for justice for the victims but also the complex and fraught history between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The narratives presented during the hearings serve as a reminder of the enduring scars left by conflict and the critical necessity of addressing these issues comprehensively at both national and international levels.
