Baku Military Court continues trial of Armenians over 2020 Ganja missile strikes

On October 6, the Baku Military Court continued hearings in criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia.

During the session, documents were presented concerning the missile attacks on Ganja during the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020, Caliber.Az reports per Azertac.

According to the case files, the Armenian Armed Forces, in blatant violation of the ceasefire and international law—including the Geneva Convention of August 12, 1949, on the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War—carried out missile strikes on October 4, 5, 8, 11, and 17, 2020.

The attacks employed 9K58 “Smerch” (BM-30) and 9K72 “Elbrus” systems, targeting populated areas of Ganja, clearly distinguishable educational and healthcare facilities, and civilians. These actions constitute acts of terrorism and other crimes resulting in widespread destruction, injuries, deaths of civilians, and the destruction of civilian property.

The investigation included on-site inspections, medical examinations of the deceased, collection of medical reports detailing the injuries of the wounded, and identification and questioning of the legal heirs of the victims. Statements were also taken from victims and witnesses, along with other investigative procedures.

The documents note that the missile strikes on Ganja deliberately killed 26 civilians and injured 175 others to varying degrees. Among the 26 deceased were 10 men, 10 women, and 6 minors. Of the 175 injured, 61 were men, 66 women, and 48 minors.

For the record, several Armenian citizens are charged with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes—including planning and waging aggressive war—genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, the violent seizure and retention of power, and numerous other offences.

By Khagan Isayev