The open court proceedings against Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and other serious offenses committed during the military aggression against Azerbaijan are continuing in the capital. The defendants, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, face charges related to the preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violation of international humanitarian law, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and the illegal seizure of power.
According to Operative Information Center-OMM, the trial is being held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, alongside judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, with reserve judge Gunel Samadova. During the sessions, each defendant has been provided with legal counsel and interpreters to ensure proceedings are conducted in a language they understand. The hearings are attended by the defendants, their defense lawyers, victims, legal heirs, and representatives, as well as prosecutors presenting the state's case. Rufat Mammadov, Head of the Apparatus of the Cabinet of Ministers, is also participating as a representative of the victimized state of Azerbaijan.
The judicial process, which officially commenced on January 17, 2025, follows the restoration of Azerbaijan's full sovereignty over its territories. These proceedings are part of Azerbaijan's broader legal efforts to ensure accountability for decades of occupation and systemic violations of international law in the Garabagh region. The court previously entered a period of deliberation on December 26 as part of the ongoing legal timeline to review the extensive evidence and testimonies presented by the prosecution and victims of the conflict.
