Ganja court jails Karen Avanesyan for 16 years over terror attempt

Karen Avanesyan, accused of attempting a terrorist act in Azerbaijan's Khankendi city, has been sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Chaired by Judge Natig Aliyev, the Ganja Court for Serious Crimes ruled that Avanesyan must serve 16 years in prison, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

On September 14, 2025, in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, Karen Avanesyan (born 1967)—one of the few ethnic Armenians remaining after the 2023 voluntary departure of over 100,000 Armenians—attempted a violent attack.

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs, Prosecutor General's Office, and State Security Service, Avanesyan left his residence, described as a social shelter, and retrieved an AK-47 (or AKMS) assault rifle, four magazines, and five hand grenades from a nearby forest.

He armed himself and moved toward a public event in the city but was intercepted by police. Avanesyan resisted, throwing three hand grenades and opening fire. Return fire wounded him, leading to his detention. One police officer sustained injuries, with some reports mentioning up to three officers affected.

Azerbaijani media released footage showing Avanesyan retrieving weapons and moving through Khankendi. He received medical treatment and remains hospitalized in stable condition. A criminal case has been opened, with investigations ongoing.

By Jeyhun Aghazada