Armenian defendant details financial links of separatist regime during Baku trial

At today’s (June 23) hearing in the Baku Military Court, Arayik Harutyunyan answered the prosecutor’s questions about the “banking system” of the self-proclaimed entity in territories of Azerbaijan formerly occupied by Armenian forces.

Harutyunyan stated that he had previously worked in branches of these “banks,” Caliber.Az reports, citing local media. 

He explained that “Artsakhbank,” which was presented as the main “bank” of the separatist regime, was registered with the Central Bank of the Republic of Armenia. 

The bank’s official registration was in Yerevan, while its head office operated in Khankendi. Branches of the “bank” also operated in other central regions of the former occupied territories of Azerbaijan.

“This bank did not enjoy any advantages or privileges compared to other Armenian banks,” Harutyunyan added.

Furthermore, other Armenian banks also maintained branches in the former occupied territories of Azerbaijan. Harutyunyan noted that these branches operated at a loss.

It should be noted that the trial continues in Baku of Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes—including preparation and waging of aggressive war—genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and numerous other offences.

By Aghakazim Guliyev