David Ishkhanyan's involvement in combat operations in Azerbaijan’s formerly occupied territories proven

At the ongoing trial in the Baku Military Court on May 19, video evidence was presented proving the activities of the accused, David Ishkhanyan, in Azerbaijan's formerly occupied territories and his involvement in combat operations.

According to Report, in the video material, David Ishkhanyan's comrades-in-arms and those who know him speak about the accused.

Alik Sargsyan emphasized that he was one of the first to take up arms, one of the founders of the first volunteer detachment, as well as one of the first company and battalion commanders: "He fulfilled a historic mission, one could say. By taking up arms, spreading the ideology of self-defense among the people, and personally serving as an example for everyone, he fulfilled a historic duty."

In the video, Movses Akopyan confidently stated: "One of those who laid the foundation or cornerstone of the Armenian army's creation is our comrade-in-arms – David."

In the footage, Araz Kocharyan said: "One day we met by chance and I was surprised to see that David Ishkhanyan had a medallion of 'Commander Andranik' hanging around his neck."

Hmayak Haroyan emphasized that their "Ashan" company, together with Monte Melkonyan, surrounded Gulabli, resulting in Azerbaijanis being encircled.

Abrik Hayrapetyan also said that "Avo," as a battalion commander in the troops, highly valued David.

In the footage shot by Armenians, David Ishkhanyan is presented as one of the leaders of the "student movement fighting for freedom," the commander of the "self-defense detachment" of "Ashan" village, the commander of the 28th battalion of the "self-defense army," and after the war, as a public and political figure.

In the footage, David Ishkhanyan stated: "Many were already feeling and noticing that this movement would reach its logical conclusion only through armed clashes and war. We tried to create that atmosphere of horror for Azerbaijanis. Our main task was to secure the defense line. We very much wanted to participate in that operation, but our task was different. The Abdal Gulabli operation was organized by Monte Melkonyan, but unfortunately, that day we lost 6 comrades. Among them was also Armen Avakyan. After this, there was a very difficult period. On September 4-5, 1992, we were able to liberate that village. The task set before us in the Khojavand region was perfectly executed, and Aghdam came under our general control. After the battles for freedom ended, the battalion's men also participated in the battles in the Aghdara district and participated in combat operations that continued until the ceasefire was confirmed in May 1994."

Answering the state prosecutor's questions, Ishkhanyan confirmed his participation in the operations to occupy Abdal Gulabli, the hill between Fuzuli's Ashaghi Veysalli and Jardar, and Aghdara.

The trial for Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, including war crimes, acts of terrorism, the preparation and execution of aggressive war, genocide, violations of war laws and rules, forcible seizure and retention of power, as well as financing terrorism, among other offenses stemming from Armenia's military aggression, will continue on May 22.