Trial set for Armenian national accused of terror attack in Azerbaijan’s Khankendi

The trial of Karen Albertovich Avanesyan, an Armenian national accused of terrorism and multiple grave crimes in Khankendi, has been scheduled for December 11. The case involves a September 2025 attack using firearms and explosives, including the attempted murder of police officers. Avanesyan has been formally charged under several articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, and the investigation file has been submitted to the Ganja Court for Grave Crimes.

The criminal case, initiated by the Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office, under relevant articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, concerns a terrorist attack committed on September 14, 2025, in Khankendi. The attack involved firearms and ammunition, followed by an explosion, and included the deliberate attempted murder of more than two police officers in connection with terrorism, as well as other related offenses, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

Investigative proceedings established sufficient evidence implicating Karen Avanesyan, a Khankendi resident of Armenian origin born in 1967, in committing a series of particularly grave crimes.

At the request of the preliminary investigation authority and on the recommendation of the prosecutor overseeing the investigation, the Khankendi court ordered pretrial detention for Avanesyan.

Based on the evidence collected, Avanesyan has been formally charged under the following articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code:

29, 120.2.3; 29, 120.2.4; 29, 120.2.7; 29, 120.2.11 — Attempted murder of two or more individuals by terrorist means posing general danger in connection with official duties; attempted intentional murder.

214.2.3 — Use of firearms or objects used as weapons in the commission of terrorism.

228.1 — Illegal acquisition, possession, and carrying of firearms, components, and ammunition.

315 — Resistance and use of force against a public official.

The preliminary investigation has been concluded, and the case file has been formally submitted for consideration to the Ganja Court for Grave Crimes.

As Caliber.Az reported earlier, on September 14, Karen Avanesyan left his home and proceeded to a nearby forested area where he had previously concealed a Kalashnikov rifle, four ammunition magazines, and five hand grenades.

Having taken up arms, he attempted to approach the site of a public event in Khankendi but was detained by police officers.

At the time of his arrest, Avanesyan resisted with armed force, throwing three hand grenades and opening fire on the police with his rifle. In the ensuing exchange of fire, Avanesyan sustained gunshot wounds and was taken into custody.

One police officer was also injured during the operation.

A criminal case has been initiated jointly by the Prosecutor General’s Office and the State Security Service of Azerbaijan, and investigative and operational measures got underway.

By Vafa Guliyeva