Baku trial exposes grim reality of Armenian occupation, prisoner abuse

The ongoing trial of Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and waging of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, among other charges, continued today at the Baku Military Court.

During the proceedings, testimonies were heard from individuals who were captured and held hostage in territories of Azerbaijan formerly under Armenian occupation, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

One of the witnesses, Elnur Mehdiyev, recounted his harrowing experience of captivity. Mehdiyev stated that on February 1, 2000, while serving in the Goranboy district, he became disoriented and was subsequently taken prisoner by Armenian military forces. He was detained in a dugout belonging to the Armenian armed forces, where he endured severe physical abuse. According to his testimony, he endured repeated beatings delivered with fists, feet, and the buttstock of an automatic rifle. After the assault, he was bound by a rope to a pole outside the dugout and left barefoot in the snow throughout the night, leading to severe frostbite on his feet.

On the following day, February 2, Mehdiyev was transferred to a hospital in Khojaly city, where all the toes of his left foot were amputated due to the extent of the frostbite. Subsequently, he was moved to a medical facility in Khankandi, where he remained for a period. On July 11, he was taken to Armenia and detained in an isolation centre. Throughout his captivity, Mehdiyev testified that he was subjected to ongoing beatings and severe physical and psychological torture.

He was released approximately one week later and repatriated to Azerbaijan.

In response to prosecutors’ inquiries, Mehdiyev emphasized that he did not resist during his captivity and that the torture was inflicted solely because of his Azerbaijani nationality.

The trial continues as the court examines further testimonies and evidence concerning the alleged crimes committed during the conflict.

By Vafa Guliyeva