Harutyunyan testifies on war crimes, calls cemetery attacks barbaric

During an ongoing session of the Baku Military Court, Arayik Harutyunyan denounced the destruction of cemeteries in territories once occupied by Armenian forces as "barbarism."

According to Report, a video was shown in court in which Harutyunyan is seen alongside Samvel Karapetyan, observing territory from atop a tank using binoculars. During the proceedings, Harutyunyan was questioned by state prosecutors and addressed several allegations.

He denied the statements he made in the video, claiming he had spoken on behalf of his brother. Regarding a comment in the footage about the capture of Gulluja village in Aghdam district, Harutyunyan clarified he was referring to the actions of the 8th Regiment.

When shown a series of photographs during the hearing, Harutyunyan identified himself in several, most of which depicted him in military uniform.

Tugay Rahimli, an aide to the Prosecutor General on special assignments, asked Harutyunyan why United Nations resolutions regarding the conflict had not been implemented. Harutyunyan responded: “There was a decision, but I don’t know why it wasn’t fulfilled. I had a meeting with Levon Ter-Petrosyan and realized there was no consensus.”

Answering questions from prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, Harutyunyan confirmed his participation in two meetings held in 2018–2019 between the former Armenian-backed administration and Armenia. He added, “In May 2020, I assumed the role of ‘president’. In June, I asked Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to convene a meeting. I wanted negotiations with Azerbaijan and a final agreement. That discussion also included the four UN resolutions.”

Responding to prosecutor Vusal Aliyev’s question on the looting and destruction in formerly occupied Azerbaijani territories, Harutyunyan condemned the desecration of cemeteries, calling it “an act of barbarism.”

The trial, which involves Armenian citizens accused of committing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and other serious offenses during the occupation — including aggressive war, terrorism, and illegal seizure of power — is scheduled to continue on May 26.