Victim testifies on Armenian use of banned weapons during 2016 clashes in Baku trial

Azerbaijani war veteran Elmir Abbasov gave harrowing testimony at the Baku Military Court on May 29, recounting how Armenian armed forces targeted civilian areas with internationally banned munitions during the April 2016 clashes. 

Speaking as a victim in an ongoing trial against Armenian nationals accused of war crimes and crimes against humanity, Abbasov described the use of poisonous and incendiary shells packed with thousands of toxic needles, fired into residential zones in blatant violation of the laws of war, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Abbasov stated that on the night of April 1 to 2, 2016, the Armenian Armed Forces launched a provocation by initiating heavy fire.

“According to the laws of war, soldiers should fight soldiers. But they shelled villages and areas where civilians lived, using prohibited munitions — poisonous and incendiary. In other words, the Armenian Armed Forces extensively used banned ammunition. In a shrapnel-type shell, besides iron fragments, there are more than 2,000 needles. Even a single needle can cause mass poisoning,” the victim emphasised.

He then answered questions from the state prosecutors, the victims’ lawyers, the defence side, and the accused.

The accused Levon Mnatsakanyan initially stated that he took part in the April clashes: “I participated in the 2016 operations, I was an ‘army commander.’ To be honest, this is the first time I have heard about such [use of banned ammunition].” Levon Mnatsakanyan asked what military position and rank Elmir Abbasov held.

The victim said that at that time, he was a battery commander in an artillery division and served with the rank of captain.

The trial continues in Baku against Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including preparation and waging of aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and many other serious crimes.

By Khagan Isayev