Harutyunyan labels cemetery destruction “barbaric” during Baku war crimes trial

At an ongoing session of the Baku Military Court, former leader of the self-proclaimed separatist entity in Karabakh, Arayik Harutyunyan, described the destruction of Azerbaijani cemeteries as “barbaric,” while testifying in a war crimes trial.

The court session included video footage of Harutyunyan and Samvel Karapetyan aboard a tank, surveying the area through binoculars, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Questioned by state prosecutors, Harutyunyan claimed that statements he made in the footage were not his own but delivered on behalf of his brother. Addressing comments regarding the capture of Gulluja, a village in Azerbaijan’s Aghdam district, he clarified: “When I said that we entered Gulluja, I was referring to the 8th regiment.”

Harutyunyan identified himself in several photographs presented in court, many showing him in military uniform. Assistant Prosecutor General Tugay Rahimli pressed him on the failure to implement UN Security Council resolutions concerning the conflict. Harutyunyan responded vaguely, stating: “There was a decision on this issue. But I don't know why it was not implemented. I met with Levon Ter-Petrosyan. I realised that there was no unanimity.”

During further questioning, the defendant recounted attending one of two meetings held between Armenian authorities and the de facto Karabakh leadership in 2018–2019. He also stated that after assuming the role of “president” of the self-proclaimed entity in May 2020, he requested a meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to initiate peace negotiations with Azerbaijan. He confirmed that the topic of four UN resolutions came up during that discussion.

When state prosecutor Vusal Aliyev asked about the plundering of Azerbaijani territories during the occupation, Harutyunyan condemned the desecration of cemeteries, calling such acts “barbaric.”

Harutyunyan is among several Armenian nationals on trial in Baku, facing charges including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, genocide, terrorism, financing of terrorism, the preparation and conduct of aggressive war, and the forcible seizure and retention of power.

The trial is set to continue on May 26.

By Vafa Guliyeva