Victims testify about atrocities committed by Armenians during Karabakh conflict Baku trial

On April 11, victims of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict shared harrowing testimonies during an ongoing session at the Baku Military Court, detailing atrocities committed by Armenian forces in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Ramiz Adigozalov, a resident of Baghanis Ayrim village in Azerbaijan’s Gazakh district, recounted the tragic death of his 39-day-old child at the hands of Armenian forces, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Adigozalov explained that the incident occurred on the night of March 23-24, 1990, when Armenian soldiers attacked their village. "A large number of Armenian soldiers arrived. First, women looted the homes, then men set the houses on fire," he said. "On that day, six villagers and one police officer were burned alive and killed."

The victim's testimony highlights the brutal treatment faced by Azerbaijani civilians during the conflict, where not only their lives were threatened, but their homes and livelihoods were destroyed by Armenian military actions.

In another emotional testimony, Zemfira Abbasova, a former resident of Khankendi, recounted the harassment and violence endured by her and other Azerbaijanis in the city during the "Miatsum Movement." Abbasova explained that although Armenians had favorable conditions and support, Azerbaijanis were subjected to continuous intimidation. 

"They broke into our homes, looted, destroyed, and ruined our property, even cutting and chopping it in the shape of a cross. We couldn't go outside; they stoned us. We weren't even allowed to buy bread. At that time, I worked at the railway office. They also entered that office and carried out various illegal actions against us. They kept saying, 'Turks should not be here, they must leave,' and 'Turks should be destroyed.' They demanded that the Turks leave, and in exchange, Armenians would settle in our homes."

Both testimonies underscore the deep human suffering caused by the military aggression during this period and the systemic violence aimed at the Azerbaijani population.

The trial of citizens of the Republic of Armenia, accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes, continues.

By Vugar Khalilov