Baku Court screens video featuring Pashinyan, Harutyunyan at post-Tovuz clashes ceremony

On October 30, a military court in Baku continued hearings on the criminal case against Armenian citizens, reviewing documents, evidence, and a video related to the 2020 Tovuz clashes at the request of defendant David Ishkhanyan.

The material, uploaded to YouTube on August 28, 2020, shows Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan awarding Armenian soldiers in Sardarabad, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Among those present was Arayik Harutyunyan. Pashinyan is heard stating that all recipients were active participants in the July clashes.

Prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev questioned Harutyunyan about his presence at the ceremony. He asked about the purpose and status of his participation, referring to a joint meeting of the Armenian Security Council and the self-proclaimed authority on June 19, 2020.

Abdullayev noted that Harutyunyan had previously claimed that the July clashes were unrelated to the self-proclaimed entity and asked why the meeting had been convened and what issues were discussed.

Harutyunyan replied that representatives of the unrecognised formation were regularly invited to such events in Armenia. He said the meeting had focused on Armenia’s security, military readiness, and potential war scenarios.

The trial in Baku continues against Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and unlawful seizure and retention of power, among other serious charges.

By Aghakazim Guliyev