Baku court hears testimony on Armenian military support to separatist forces

At the August 29th hearing in the Baku Military Court, prosecutors read out testimony given by the defendant, Bako Saakyan, during the pre-trial investigation, along with documents related to his criminal case.

In his testimony during the preliminary investigation, Bako Saakyan stated that between 1993 and 1995, he served as the "chief of logistics staff" in the "defence army" of the self-proclaimed regime, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Saakyan took part in supplying military forces during combat operations until the ceasefire was declared in May 1994.

According to the defendant's testimony, the S-300 missile system located in Shusha between 2015 and 2020 was sent by the Armenian Ministry of Defence. Saakyan stated that, overall, the supply of weapons, military equipment, and personnel—both before and after the 44-day war in 2020—was carried out by Armenia’s military and political leadership using the country's state budget.

He also stated that the Armenian Ministry of Defence supplied the “Ministry of Defence” of the self-proclaimed regime with weapons, ammunition, and other military equipment.

The trial currently underway is against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, accused of a range of serious crimes stemming from Armenia’s military aggression. Charges include war crimes, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, among others.