Among the accused are Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Babayan, Lyova Mnatsakanyan, and others.

The hearings, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and a judicial panel including Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, are being held with interpreters and defense attorneys provided for each accused. Also present are the victims and their representatives, legal successors, and state prosecutors.

Key Allegations and Testimonies

During the proceedings, prosecutors questioned the accused regarding their roles in the self-proclaimed illegal administration in Karabakh, their involvement in the forcible seizure and retention of power, and the financial and military support received from Armenia.

Testimony of Bako Sahakyan

Bako Sahakyan admitted that the so-called regime’s budget was entirely funded by Armenia, primarily through interest-free “loans” that were never repaid. He acknowledged that Karabakh’s economy relied heavily on illegal economic activities, including the sale of products labeled as “Made in Armenia” despite being manufactured in occupied Azerbaijani territories.

Sahakyan further revealed that Armenian citizens could freely buy property in Karabakh and vice versa, underscoring the deep integration of the occupied territories with Armenia. He confirmed that the self-styled “army” of Karabakh was directly subordinate to the Armenian Armed Forces and that its leadership was appointed by Armenian authorities. He stated that all military expenses, including soldiers’ salaries and supplies, were covered by the Armenian state budget.

When questioned about the deployment of advanced weaponry such as Iskander M and Tochka U missiles, Sahakyan denied their presence in Karabakh during his tenure but admitted that all arms and ammunition came from Armenia. He also stated that the military exercises conducted in Karabakh were authorized and directed by the Armenian military leadership.

Statements of Arayik Harutyunyan

Another accused, Arayik Harutyunyan, corroborated Sahakyan’s claims, particularly regarding Karabakh’s economic dependence on Armenia. He stated that the so-called republic had no independent banking system, as it was controlled by the Central Bank of Armenia, and that all exports were funneled through Armenia using falsified documentation.

Harutyunyan confirmed that Armenian officials directly appointed ministers in the illegal regime, including the “defense minister” who reported solely to Armenia’s military leadership. He also admitted that the Karabakh armed forces functioned as a unit of the Armenian military, taking orders from the Armenian Chief of General Staff.

When asked about missile attacks on civilian infrastructure in Azerbaijan, including in Ganja, Harutyunyan stated that the strikes were carried out based on orders from the Armenian military leadership. He specifically mentioned that Onik Gasparyan, the Chief of General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, provided directives for these operations.

Criminal Charges and Next Hearings

The accused face multiple charges under Azerbaijani law, including:

• War crimes and crimes against humanity (Articles 100, 103, 105, 107, 109, 110, 113, 115, 116 of the Criminal Code)
• Acts of terrorism and financing terrorism (Articles 214, 214-1)
• Forcible seizure and retention of power (Article 278)
• Illegal formation of armed groups (Article 279)
• Economic crimes, including illegal entrepreneurship (Article 192)
• Murder and military aggression (Articles 120, 118)

A total of 15 Armenian nationals are on trial for their roles in the military aggression and crimes committed in Karabakh. The next court hearing is scheduled for March 17, where further questioning of the accused will take place.

The ongoing trials in Azerbaijan highlight the legal consequences of Armenia’s military involvement in Karabakh and the systematic violations of international law. The proceedings continue to reveal the extent of Armenia’s support in establishing and sustaining an illegal regime in the occupied territories. As the hearings progress, more evidence is expected to emerge, further detailing the criminal activities committed during the occupation.