Baku Court unveils Armenia’s recruitment of foreign fighters during occupation of Azerbaijan's lands

At today’s hearing in the Baku Military Court, video evidence confirmed the involvement of individuals from abroad in the “Shusha Separate Battalion,” formed on Armenia’s initiative during the occupation of Azerbaijani territories.

The video material shows that the “Shusha Separate Battalion” was formed on November 5, 1991, by more than 210 Dashnak members and volunteers who had come from various countries around the world — including the USA, Canada, Syria, and Armenia, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The accused, David Manukyan, who identified himself on the footage, stated that he took part in combat operations in Aghdara and Kalbajar as a member of the “Shusha Battalion.”

When questioned by the public prosecutor, Manukyan said that the “Shusha Battalion” did not include mercenaries, but did comprise individuals who had arrived from foreign countries.

Trial in Baku is ongoing against Armenian nationals accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes including the preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and numerous other offences.

By Aghakazim Guliyev