The Baku Court of Appeal has continued the hearing regarding the appeals filed by several citizens of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others. These individuals were previously sentenced by the Baku Military Court for their roles in crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and the forcible seizure of power.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the court session was presided over by judge Elmar Rahimov, with the participation of judges Emin Mehdiyev and Mehriban Garayeva. The proceedings were conducted with the assistance of translators for the Armenian and Russian languages, and all defendants were provided with legal counsel to ensure their right to a defense.
The hearing was attended by representatives of the victims and state prosecutors, including Abbas Abbasli, head of the Department for the Protection of State Prosecution of the Prosecutor General's Office, along with prosecutors Anar Alakbarov and Sevinc Gasimova. During the session, the court addressed procedural motions, including a request from the defense of Davit Ishkhanyan. The court ruled that the issues raised in the motions were not relevant to the current stage of the proceedings and denied them. Following a brief recess to allow Ishkhanyan to consult confidentially with his lawyer, the defense team for Arkadi Ghukasyan presented their arguments, requesting the annulment of the previous verdict and an acquittal.
The Baku Military Court issued its verdict on February 5, 2026. Arayik Harutyunyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, and David Babayan were sentenced to life imprisonment. Other defendants received lengthy prison terms ranging from 15 to 20 years. The appellate hearings are part of the ongoing judicial process in Azerbaijan to hold accountable those responsible for war crimes committed during the conflict. The next court session is scheduled for July 10.
