Former separatist head testifies on 2016 clashes, names top Armenian generals

During a session of the Baku Military Court, Bako Sahakyan, former so-called “president” of the separatist regime established in the Azerbaijani territories previously occupied by Armenian forces, testified regarding the 2016 April clashes, commonly referred to as the April battles.

Sahakyan was questioned by state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

In his testimony, he disclosed the names of key Armenian military figures who led operations during the four-day conflict.

According to Sahakyan, the military offensive was directed by then-Armenian Minister of Defence, Colonel General Seyran Ohanyan; the Chief of the General Staff of the Armenian Armed Forces, Colonel General Yuri Khachaturov; and the separatist entity’s so-called “army commander,” Lieutenant General Levon Mnatsakanyan.

The court proceedings are part of an ongoing trial involving Armenian citizens accused of serious international crimes, including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, genocide, the planning and execution of a war of aggression, terrorism, and the unlawful seizure and retention of power.

By Vafa Guliyeva