Baku court reviews 1993 footage showing Serzh Sargsyan planning military offensives

At a hearing in the Baku Military Court on May 5, another video related to the occupation of the Khojavend district was examined.

The footage, filmed by Armenians in April 1993 in the occupied Khojavend district, shows a group of armed military personnel, including Serzh Sargsyan (President of Armenia from 2008 to 2018) and the defendant Davit Ishkhanyan, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The video was translated from Armenian, revealing that Serzh Sargsyan had arrived to inspect military units. In the footage, Monte Melkonyan is seen reporting to Sargsyan. Sargsyan tells him: “This is not about a ceasefire. This is about offensive operations and seizing more territory.”

The video then shows an inspection of the area, during which Sargsyan speaks with Davit Ishkhanyan. Ishkhanyan informs him about combat operations and the operational situation in the Aghdam district, particularly toward the village of Abdal-Gulably. The footage also mentions logistical support for the troops, and Sargsyan is seen briefly conversing with soldiers.

During the trial, state prosecutors questioned defendant Davit Ishkhanyan about the video. Ishkhanyan confirmed he remembered the recording and the purpose of Serzh Sargsyan’s visit: “They came to my battalion to review the situation at the positions.”

He also named several individuals seen in the footage: “Serzh Sargsyan, Monte Melkonyan, Movses Hakobyan (later Chief of the General Staff of Armenia’s Armed Forces—Ed.). At that time, he was Monte Melkonyan’s deputy. Also seen in the video is my chief of staff, Aramayis Karapetyan.”

The trial in Baku continues against Armenian nationals accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes—including preparing and waging an aggressive war—genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and other serious offences.

By Khagan Isayev