On December 4, Baku’s military court resumed hearings in the ongoing sham trials of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan. Several defense lawyers delivered their arguments, calling for full acquittal of their clients.
Davit Ishkhanyan’s lawyer, Aghshin Mammadli, said in court that a verdict must be based on conclusive and indisputable evidence. He urged the court to acquit Ishkhanyan, APA reports.
Ishkhanyan’s second lawyer, Elchin Amirov, also appealed for his client’s acquittal.
Lev Balayan’s attorney, Vafa Mehtiva, argued that there is no criminal conduct in his client’s actions and called on the court to acquit him. Balayan’s other lawyer, Sagi Mammadov, made a similar request.
Davit Alaverdyan’s lawyer, Nizami Aliyev, stated that his client denies all charges and emphasized that the evidence presented against him is baseless and unreliable. He, too, demanded an acquittal.
Eriк Ghazaryan’s attorney, Natig Mustafayev, said his client does not admit guilt. He voluntarily surrendered his weapon and handed himself over to Azerbaijani forces. The lawyer asked the court to acquit Ghazaryan.
According to Azerbaijani media, the prosecution has requested life imprisonment for former Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan, former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, former Defense Army Commander Levon Mnatsakanyan, former Deputy Commander Davit Manukyan, and former National Assembly Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan.
It has also requested 20 years in prison for former Presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan, as well as Madat Babayan and Pashayian Melikset. Other requested sentences include: Garik Martirosyan – 19 years, Davit Alaverdyan – 18 years, Levon Babayan – 17 years, and Vasili Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, and Edik Ghazaryan – 16 years each.
