Azerbaijan Collects Evidence on Shot Down Russian Mi-24 Helicopter During Conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh

Azerbaijan has gathered evidence and conducted examinations regarding the shot down Russian Mi-24 helicopter during the escalation of the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh, and the investigation into the crash continues. This was stated to RIA Novosti by Gunay Salimzade, the head of the press service of the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan.

“A criminal case has been initiated after an immediate check by the Prosecutor General's Office regarding the shooting down of the Mi-24 military helicopter belonging to the Russian Federation in the Nakhchivan section of the Armenian-Azerbaijani border. Relevant examinations have been carried out and physical evidence has been collected, along with other necessary procedural actions,” said the press service head.

Salimzade also emphasized that the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan will ensure the adoption of a legal decision regarding the incident involving the Russian helicopter’s crash. “Currently, the investigation is ongoing, and a legal decision will be made based on the results of the investigation,” he stressed.

The Russian Defense Ministry reported on November 9, 2020, that the Russian Mi-24 was shot down in a part of airspace belonging to Armenia outside of the combat zone. Two crew members were killed. The Azerbaijani side admitted that it accidentally shot down the Russian helicopter, apologized, and expressed willingness to compensate Russia.