Baku trial reveals chilling details of Armenian war crimes in Bashlibel massacre

During today's session at the Baku Military Court, Gabil Alasgarov, a survivor of the 1992 massacre in the village of Bashlibel, Kalbajar district, delivered a chilling account of the atrocities perpetrated by the Armenian armed forces during their occupation of the area.

Alasgarov's testimony formed a key part of the ongoing trial of Armenian nationals facing serious charges including torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, breaches of international law, crimes against humanity and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The victim recalled learning about the Armenian forces' advance on Kalbajar through news broadcasts on the radio. As the attack on Bashlibel began, the villagers attempted to flee toward a nearby tunnel, hoping to escape. However, they soon discovered that Armenian troops had surrounded the area, trapping them within.

"On April 5, we heard gunfire in Bashlibel. The Armenian forces that attacked the village began looting homes. We took cover, but they soon located us and opened fire. After throwing gas bombs into our shelter, it became impossible to remain inside. I ventured out and informed them that everyone in the shelter had perished, but they refused to believe me. They insisted that I bring the survivors out," Alasgarov stated.

He further recounted the brutal attack on his family, detailing how his mother was shot in the arm during the assault. "When I went to retrieve my mother, they shot her," he recounted, describing how the Armenian forces indiscriminately gunned down civilians without hesitation. "Among us were many elderly and women. The moment they identified civilians, they killed them without question. There were also Lebanese Armenians present."

Alasgarov’s testimony also revealed the horrifying details of the massacre, which left numerous civilians dead. "One old man was burnt in a cultural centre, only his head was left. One woman was thrown into the water. They brutally killed animals as well," he added, describing the extent of the cruelty he witnessed.

The ongoing trial in Baku concerns the actions of Armenian individuals accused of orchestrating and participating in various war crimes, including the preparation and execution of aggressive warfare, genocide, terrorism, and violations of wartime laws. The case also includes accusations related to the forcible seizure and retention of power, and the financing of terrorism.

The trial is expected to continue, with the next session scheduled for May 15.

By Vafa Guliyeva