On June 30, at the Baku Court of Appeals, the court hearing continued on the appeals of Armenian citizens Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Gukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, who were indicted by the Baku Military Court for numerous crimes, including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes resulting from Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan, preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violation of war laws and rules, terrorism, financing terrorism, forcible seizure of power, and many other crimes.
Medianews.az reports that the court session held at the Baku Court of Appeals with judges Elmar Rahimov presiding, Emin Mehdiyev and Mehriban Garayeva (reserve judge Ali Mammadov) participating, provided each of the accused persons participating in the appeal proceedings in their known languages - Armenian and Russian - with interpreters as well as with lawyers to ensure their defense.
The representatives of the affected parties, prosecutors defending the state prosecution - Abbas Abbasli, head of the department for the defense of state prosecution of the Office of the Prosecutor General, and the department prosecutors Anar Alekberov and Sevinc Gasimova - participated in the court session.
At first, it was noted that one of the two lawyers defending each of the accused Madat Babayan and David Babayan could not attend the court session due to health problems. For this reason, in accordance with legal requirements, the participants were informed that new defenders had been appointed for them at the state's expense.
Subsequently, the newly appointed defenders were introduced to the participants of the court process. The accused stated that they did not object to the participation of their defenders.
After that, the court speeches continued.
Later, the accused Davit Ishkhanyan addressed the court, stating his wish to submit notes he had prepared after reviewing the protocols of the court sessions.
The chairman of the panel mentioned that it was his procedural right to familiarize himself with the session protocols.
Davit Ishkhanyan was explained that, since the notes on the protocols were not submitted in Azerbaijani, it was necessary to submit them to the court after translation. It was stated that the notes should be submitted in written form and in Azerbaijani, not orally.
After the notes are translated, they must be presented to the prosecution side during the court process to ensure equality during dispute.
Davit Ishkhanyan requested assistance in providing the notes to the translator. The chairman of the court stated that appropriate arrangements would be made for this.
Then David Babayan, speaking, requested that arrangements be made to get acquainted with the newly appointed defender.
The court session continued with speeches justifying the defense side's appeal complaints.
The defender of the accused Davit Allahverdiyev spoke, requesting the court to acquit the person whose rights he defends. Davit Allahverdiyev stated that he defends the appeal submitted by his defender and agrees with the evidence presented in that appeal.
Then the defender of Melikset Pashayan spoke. He requested that the February 5, 2026, verdict against the accused person be annulled and an acquittal verdict be issued. The spokesperson for M. Pashayan expressed his support for the position voiced by the defender. He stated that he did not consider himself guilty of the charges brought against him.
Afterwards, the defender of the accused Davit Ishkhanyan spoke. The lawyer requested the court to annul the February 5, 2026, verdict against D. Ishkhanyan and to issue an acquittal verdict.
Subsequently, a recess was declared in the court session to ensure confidential meetings with the defenders of the accused persons.
After the break, the speeches at the court session continued.
The accused Davit Ishkhanyan, speaking, first submitted a motion requesting that duplicate copies of his appeal complaint and petition prepared by him be added to the materials of the criminal case. Then he stated that he did not agree with the charges brought against him.
The next court session will be held on July 3.
It should be recalled that according to the verdict of the Baku Military Court dated February 5, 2026, Arayik Harutyunyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, and David Babayan were sentenced to life imprisonment. Arkadi Gukasyan and Bako Sahakyan were sentenced to 20 years, Madat Babayan and Melikset Pashayan to 19 years, Garik Martirosyan to 18 years, Davit Allahverdiyev and Levon Balayan to 16 years, and Vasili Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, and Erik Gazaryan to 15 years imprisonment.