Court reviews documents on atrocities in Garadaghli

The Baku Military Court continued hearings on May 1 in the high-profile criminal case against Armenian nationals, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, and others, over war crimes committed during Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, Report informs via AZERTAC.

The defendants face multiple charges, including crimes against humanity, genocide, terrorism, and violations of international humanitarian law. The trial, held in open session, is presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, and reserve judge Gunel Samedova.

The court reviewed video evidence allegedly showing the involvement of several defendants in the occupation of Shusha and other operations. Testimonies were heard from victims of the 1992 Garadaghli massacre, who described killings, torture, and hostage-taking by Armenian forces.

Documents examined included records of attacks on Garadaghli from 1989 to 1992, the downing of an Azerbaijani helicopter in 1991, and excerpts from Markar Melkonyan’s book describing atrocities by Armenian fighters. Eyewitnesses recounted mass shootings, arson, and the killing of Azerbaijani civilians, including women and children.

The court also identified individuals involved in war crimes, including commanders of armed groups. Charges against the accused span more than 25 articles of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, including genocide, torture, terrorism, and the forcible seizure of power.

The next court session is scheduled for May 2.