Baku: The date for the trial of Armenian war criminals detained in Baku has been announced, with the preparatory hearing scheduled for January 17, as reported by APA. This development follows the approval of the indictment by the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 16, which was subsequently sent to the Baku Military Court for consideration. Judge Zeynal Aghayev, the chairman of the court, will preside over the case.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Press Service of the Prosecutor General's Office has announced that a criminal case has been filed against illegal actions perpetrated against Azerbaijan by Armenia and its Armed Forces, as well as the so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh Republic" and its illegal armed formations. These entities were established with Armenia's support in Azerbaijan's territories occupied by Armenia.
The Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General's Office conducted an investigation into acts of aggression, occupation, genocide, and other crimes against peace and humanity, including war crimes and terrorism. On May 2, 2024, the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan decided to consolidate 1,389 criminal cases investigated by various bodies into a single proceeding.
The investigation was managed by the Prosecutor General's Office, with investigators from the State Security Service, Ministry of Internal Affairs, State Customs Committee, and Military Prosecutor's Office involved. Reliable evidence led to new charges against 15 members of the criminal organization, including individuals from Armenia's Armed Forces and separatist groups, linked to 2548 episodes.
The accused, including Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan and others, face charges under several articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, including aggressive war planning, genocide, and terrorism. Their rights, including legal representation and language use, have been ensured.
Pre-trial detention measures were issued, and complaints from defendants were reviewed per criminal procedure legislation. The defendants were informed about the conclusion of the preliminary investigation and given access to review case materials. Meanwhile, the case concerning other accused individuals is ongoing in a separate proceeding.