Fact that Armenia looted settlements after occupying Azerbaijani territories confirmed in court

The ongoing court hearing at the Baku Military Court on May 26 has confirmed that the Armenian armed forces looted settlements after occupying Azerbaijanchr("39")s sovereign territories during the First Karabakh War, Olaylar informs.

While answering questions from Tarana Mammadova, prosecutor of the department for the defense of state prosecution in the district courts of Baku city, Melikset Pashayan stated that he served in the 31st battalion of the "Asgaran district." He said that as part of the battalion, he was stationed at posts in the direction of Suma, Sarijali, and Gulluja villages of the Aghdam district in 1993-1994.

"This was a rifle battalion. The battalion had grenade launchers, mortars, machine guns, automatic rifles, and grenades," Pashayan said in response to questions.

When asked whether he was involved in looting after the occupation of Azerbaijani territories, Pashayan replied: "I did not participate in the looting. By the time the post shift was over, there was nothing left to loot."

The accused claimed that those who participated in the looting were Armenian civilians.

Pashayan said that the military personnel warned civilians going to loot not to enter the area: "They said, donchr("39")t go there, you might get hit by bullets or shells."

He also added that the reason the military discouraged civilians from this looting was to protect them physically.

Pashayan also stated that he was awarded a "medal" "For Bravery" by the illegal regime for his participation in the First Karabakh War and said: "I donchr("39")t remember exactly, it was either during Bako Sahakyanchr("39")s or Arayik Harutyunyanchr("39")s time."

The trial continues for Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, including war crimes, acts of terrorism, waging of aggressive war, genocide, violations of war laws and rules, forcible seizure and retention of power, as well as financing terrorism, among other offenses stemming from Armeniachr("39")s military aggression.