Criminal Case Launched Over Act of Aggression by Azerbaijan Against the Republic of Artsakh

On September 27, 2020, around 7 AM, the military-political leadership of the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, grossly violating Article 2, Paragraph 4 of the UN Charter signed on June 26, 1945, has launched an aggressive act against the Republic of Artsakh. This article states that all member states must refrain from the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any state, or in any other manner inconsistent with the purposes of the United Nations.

During this period, Azerbaijan unleased an aggressive war and has committed an act of aggression, using previously recruited mercenaries in military operations, employing systematic, deliberate, and targeted assaults on the civilian population in the peaceful settlements of the Republic of Artsakh through the use of artillery-missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles.

Particularly, the city of Stepanakert, as well as other districts such as Askeran, Shushi, Kashatagh, Martuni, Martakert, Shahumyan, and Hadrut, and surrounding settlements were subjected to bombardment with these types of weaponry, resulting in human and property losses.

The acts committed against civilians and individuals not directly participating in hostilities, or those deprived of means of defense, amount to serious violations of international humanitarian law. Consequently, on September 29, 2020, a criminal case was initiated in the Investigative Committee of the Republic of Armenia based on articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia, including:

• Article 384, Part 2 (Initiating or Waging Aggressive War)
• Article 390, Part 1, Clause 1 (Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law during Armed Conflicts)
• Article 391, Part 3 (Issuing Criminal Orders during Armed Conflicts)
• Article 395, Part 1 (Mercenarism)

The investigative group led by the chairman of the Investigative Committee, Hayk Grigoryan, continues its work in the Republic of Artsakh and regularly visits the military investigative branches for coordination of investigative and procedural actions. Meetings have been held with Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan, the chairman of the Investigative Committee Igor Grigoryan, and the director of the National Security Service Kamo Aghajanyan.

Parallel to these efforts, significant investigative and other procedural activities are being conducted by the personnel of the Investigative Committees of both Armenia and Artsakh, and information regarding the course and results will be provided regularly.