Baku: The open court session concerning the criminal case against Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others-citizens of the Republic of Armenia-continued under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev at the Baku Military Court. The defendants face charges related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, and multiple other offenses stemming from Armenia's military actions against Azerbaijan.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the session involved various participants, including the defendants, their legal representatives, victims and their legal successors, and the state's prosecutors. The accused were provided with translators and legal representation to ensure a fair trial process.
During the court proceedings, Levon Mnatsakanyan, a former lieutenant general and 'defense minister' during the 2016 'April battles,' addressed questions from the state prosecutor. He admitted the loss of 18 combat positions during the battles and claimed that civilian areas were not intentionally targeted, as they contained military units and equipment.
The court reviewed interviews of Mnatsakanyan with journalists post-April battles, highlighting contradictions between his claims and previous public statements. In one interview, he assured that their borders were secure, which the prosecutor challenged as inconsistent with his courtroom testimony.
Footage was shown of Mnatsakanyan discussing military operations with Armenian special forces and the regime's advancements in military capabilities. He noted improvements in firepower, observation devices, and management systems, attributing these to efforts in enhancing their military-industrial complex.
Another video presented in court depicted a dispute between Mnatsakanyan and former 'defense minister' Samvel Babayan regarding territorial losses. Mnatsakanyan accused Babayan of surrendering territory to Azerbaijan in 1994, while Babayan criticized strategic failures during the April battles.
Further evidence included footage of Armenian officials, such as former Prime Minister Karen Karapetyan and the so-called regime's leaders, meeting with servicemen in Azerbaijan's then-occupied territories. Mnatsakanyan confirmed regular visits from Armenian defense and foreign affairs ministers.
The court also examined evidence related to landmines in Azerbaijani territories. Mnatsakanyan detailed the planting of mines, emphasizing that documentation was submitted to higher headquarters, with copies retained by military units. He revealed that mines were procured from Russia and manufactured in Armenia, disclosing the use of both anti-personnel and anti-tank mines.
The session is set to continue, with the next hearing scheduled for June 13. The defendants face charges under numerous articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including war crimes, terrorism, and other offenses.