Victim testifies on how Armenians burned Azerbaijani homes in Kerkijahan Trial in Baku continues

A resident of Kerkijahan village in Azerbaijan’s Khankendi region, Dergah Hagverdiyev, testified before the Baku Military Court, recounting the events surrounding the Armenian occupation of his hometown in the Khankendi region.

Hagverdiyev recalled that since 1987, Armenians in Khankendi increasingly pressured Azerbaijani residents through acts of national discrimination. He highlighted the prominent role played by the then-time President of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan, in these actions, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Hagverdiyev described how, after February 1988, Armenians began forcibly expelling Azerbaijanis from the area. In September of the same year, several Azerbaijani homes in Khankendi were set ablaze. Following an Armenian-organised rally in the central square of Khankendi, armed groups attacked Kerkijahan, burning multiple houses.

He further reported that starting in 1991, Kerkijahan was subjected to shelling by Armenian soldiers from the 366th Motorized Rifle Regiment stationed in Khankendi. These forces used their military equipment in the attacks. On December 28, 1991, Armenian forces launched a full-scale offensive and occupied Kerkijahan, destroying all Azerbaijani-owned homes in the village.

“Before the occupation, we were threatened and insulted over the phone, told to leave because Karabakh must be united with Armenia and only Armenians should live here,” Hagverdiyev said. “During the attack, they shouted that Azerbaijanis must get out as this is Armenian territory.”

Despite great difficulties, residents managed to flee through forest paths to the city of Shusha. Prior to the occupation, Kerkijahan had a population of 1,796, with 350 private homes, a secondary school, and other community facilities.

The trial in Baku continues against Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes including preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violations of laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offences.

By Khagan Isayev