First Court Hearing on Syrian Mercenaries and Terrorists Case Begins

On May 4, the first court hearing regarding the criminal case against Syrian citizens Muhrab Muhammad al-Shakhari and Youssef Alabed al-Haji commenced at the Kapan branch of the Syunik Region General Jurisdiction Court, presided over by Judge Napoleon Ohanyan.

The Syrian nationals are accused of participating as mercenaries and terrorists in the military operations unleashed by Azerbaijan against Artsakh.

According to the indictment, Muhrab Muhammad al-Shakhari and Youssef Alabed al-Haji, not being citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan and not permanently residing within its territory, are not part of the armed forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan. They are Syrian Arab Republic citizens who were not sent by the Syrian Arab Republic or any other state for performing official duties in the armed forces of Azerbaijan. For financial compensation, they participated in the aggressive war unleashed by the military-political leadership of Azerbaijan since September 27, 2020. Their actions aimed at destroying civilians in the territories of the Republic of Armenia and the Republic of Artsakh, and causing grave bodily harm to individuals not directly participating in military actions. The nature and essence of these actions were intended to terrorize the civilian population, destabilizing the internal situation of the Republic of Artsakh and the Republic of Armenia.

Muhrab Muhammad al-Shakhari and Youssef Alabed al-Haji are charged under Article 217, Part 3, Clause 1, Article 389, Article 34-390, Part 1, Clause 1, Article 34-390, Part 3, Clause 1, and Article 395, Part 3 of the RA Criminal Code.

The indictment substantiates the involvement of more than 30 mercenaries, including members of various groups such as "Sultan Suleiman Shah," "Sukhor," "Hamza," "Sultan Murad," and others, in unleashing the war, as well as their commission of various wartime crimes. Over 30 identified mercenaries are wanted.

Law enforcement has also established the identity of the leader of one of these international terrorist groups. It has been substantiated that he committed crimes against peace and humanity. The identity of Abu Hamsha, also known as Muhammad al-Jasim, the leader of the "Sultan Suleiman Shah" international terrorist group, has been revealed. He is of Arab ethnicity and a citizen of the Syrian Arab Republic.

The prosecuting authority has involved them as defendants, with detention chosen as a preventive measure. Efforts are underway to locate and bring them to criminal responsibility.