Foreign nationals participated in occupation of Azerbaijani territories, defendant confirms in Baku court

During a session at the Baku Military Court, defendant David Manukyan confirmed the involvement of foreign nationals in military operations during the occupation of Azerbaijani territories.

According to Report, the court reviewed video evidence detailing the formation and activities of the "Separate Battalion of the City of Shusha," which was established on November 5, 1991. The battalion included over 210 fighters, comprised of Armenian Dashnaks and volunteers from several countries including the United States, Canada, Syria, and Armenia.

The footage also indicated that of approximately 100 Armenian diaspora members who participated in what they called the "liberation of Karabakh," 65 served in this battalion.

Manukyan acknowledged appearing in the video and admitted to taking part in combat operations in the Aghdara and Kalbajar district. While denying the presence of mercenaries, he confirmed that foreign individuals had fought alongside Armenian forces.

The trial is part of an ongoing judicial process against Armenian citizens accused of serious crimes including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, genocide, violations of international humanitarian law, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and the violent seizure and retention of power and other numerous crimes stemming from Armenia's military aggression.