Category: Azer News

As a result of Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, an open court hearing on November 27 continued in the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia – Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others – who are accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including preparing and waging an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, seizure of power by force, its forcible retention, and numerous other crimes.

Azernews reports that at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev and composed of judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samedova), each of the accused was provided with an interpreter in a language they understand, as well as defense lawyers.

The accused persons, their lawyers, some of the victims, their legal successors and representatives, as well as prosecutors representing the state prosecution, participated in the hearing.

The court began hearing the speeches of the defense lawyers of the accused.

At the beginning of her speech, Zumrud Samedova, the lawyer of the accused Gurgen Stepanyan, recalled that the prosecutor representing the state prosecution had requested the court to sentence G. Stepanyan to 16 years of imprisonment. The defense lawyer said that the accused does not consider himself guilty of the charges brought against him. According to her, as G. Stepanyan stated during the judicial investigation, he served as a conscripted soldier in Hadrut settlement in 2005-2007, and in 2023 he was taken to a combat post.

The lawyer said that on September 19, 2023, he left his position, fled to the city of Khankendi, and on the way encountered servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Azerbaijan and surrendered to them.

‘As the defense, I consider that according to Article 42.1.4 of the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, a person should be acquitted if his guilt has not been proven. Therefore, I request that the court acquit the accused on that basis,’ the lawyer added.

G. Stepanyan’s other lawyer, Rafiq Karimov, also asked the court to acquit the person whose rights he defends.

In his speech, Azizaga Qafarov, the lawyer of the accused Vasili Beqlaryan, stated that the person whose rights he defends is not guilty of committing the alleged criminal acts. The lawyer said that V. Beqlaryan served in 2012-2013 in the Agdara area as a conscript soldier. According to him, in 2022, V. Beqlaryan signed a three-year contract as an extended-term serviceman, a soldier, in a military unit stationed in the city of Khankendi, and was several times sent to a combat position in the direction of Ch?r?kdar village, where he performed armed guard duty.

The lawyer said that the fact that V. Beqlaryan served in a military unit in Khankendi under a three-year contract as an extended-term serviceman cannot be considered fair or lawful as grounds for attributing guilt to him. Although his service at that time was voluntary, he did so because he could not find a job and needed to earn wages under contract. The lawyer added that this point is also confirmed by the accused’s testimony.

He stated that from the moment of his arrest – that is, since September 26, 2023 – V. Beqlaryan has not considered himself guilty of the charges brought against him.

The lawyer asked the court to issue an acquittal for V. Beqlaryan.

In her speech, Parvana Gasimova, the lawyer of the accused Arkadi Ghukasyan, stated that the person whose rights she defends was not a member of a criminal organization. She said they do not accept the evidence presented by the prosecution and asked the court to acquit A. Ghukasyan.

A. Ghukasyan’s other lawyer, Naile Taghiyeva, also asked the court to issue an acquittal for the person she defends.

The lawyer of the accused David Manukyan, Valeh Qurbanov, said that the person whose rights he defends does not consider himself guilty, nor does he consider himself a member of any criminal organization. The lawyer continued: ‘David Manukyan was neither a creator nor a member of any illegal armed group. He was a serviceman and acted based on military instructions.’

The defense lawyer stated that the primary culpability for what happened lies with Armenia’s political-military leadership.

He said he supports D. Manukyan’s position and requested that the court issue an acquittal.

The lawyer of the accused David Babayan, Chingiz Mansurov, stated that the person whose rights he defends voluntarily surrendered to Azerbaijani servicemen in September 2023. The lawyer said that D. Babayan does not consider himself guilty of the charges brought against him. He requested that the court issue an acquittal.

In her speech, Leyla Namazzada, the lawyer of the accused Madat Babayan, stated that M. Babayan should be acquitted in relation to the episode concerning the assassination attempt on state officials of our country resulting from the downing of an Azerbaijani helicopter near the village of Garakend in Khojavend district on November 20, 1991. She said that M. Babayan served at posts in the Agdara and Tartar directions at that time and had never fired live ammunition at human targets, firing only into the air.

The lawyer continued: ‘Madat Babayan, whose rights I defend, gave sincere testimony during the investigation and confirmed that testimony twice during the court investigation. Thanks to his sincere testimony and sharp memory, the remains of persons killed during the Khojaly genocide were found in the areas he directly pointed out in the Khojaly region, and after their identities were established, they were handed over to their families. The murdered compatriots were buried according to our customs and traditions after 30 years. Although the person whose rights I defend participated in the Khojaly events, he did not kill anyone, did not shoot civilians, and served as an ordinary soldier. As he only witnessed the acts of torture committed during the ethnic cleansing against the Azerbaijani people, including the Khojaly events, in 1991-1994, Madat Babayan sincerely regrets this. For this, he apologizes to the people of Azerbaijan and to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.’

The lawyer asked the court to issue an acquittal in relation to the episodes with which the accused is charged.

M. Babayan’s other lawyer, Elnur Valiyev, also stated that he agrees with the points made in the speech of the previous defense lawyer.

The court hearing will continue on December 4.

It should be noted that on the basis of the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, its state institutions and officials, its armed forces and illegal armed groups, the orders, instructions, and directives given orally and in writing, the support provided in the form of material, technical and personnel resources, its centralized management, as well as its strict control, in violation of domestic and international legal norms on the territory of Azerbaijan, and for the purpose of committing military aggression against Azerbaijan, and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Kocharyan, Serzh Sargsyan, Vazgen Manukyan, Vazgen Sargsyan, Samvel Babayan, Vitali Balasanyan, Zori Balayan, Seyran Ohanyan, Arshavir Karamyan, Monte Melkonyan, and others, 15 accused persons are charged in a criminal case regarding numerous crimes committed during the course of the aggressive war carried out by the Armenian state, including the aforementioned criminal organization.

These persons – Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, David Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beqlaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan – are charged under Articles 100 (planning, preparing, launching and waging an aggressive war), 102 (attacks on persons or organizations enjoying international protection), 103 (genocide), 105 (extermination), 106 (slavery), 107 (deportation or forcible transfer of population), 109 (persecution), 110 (enforced disappearance), 112 (unlawful deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114 (mercenary activity), 115 (violation of the laws and customs of war), 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 118 (military looting), 120 (premeditated murder), 192 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218 (creation of a criminal organization), 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation or carrying of weapons, their component parts, ammunition, explosives, and explosive devices), 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security), 277 (attempt on the life of a state or public figure), 278 (seizure of power by force and its forcible retention, forcible change of the constitutional order of the state), 279 (creation of armed groups not stipulated by law), and other articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Lorenzo Fontana, Chairman of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Italian Republic, as part of his official visit to Italy.

Azernews reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs published a statement on this. It was noted that during the meeting, issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy, as well as the current situation in the region in the post-conflict period, were discussed. The parties noted the important role of parliamentary diplomacy, along with high-level contacts, visits and dialogue, in the development of the existing multidimensional strategic partnership relations.

The importance of parliamentary diplomacy and mutual visits between parliamentary chairmen and representatives was noted as one of the main pillars of the strategic partnership.

It was noted that the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy in the political, economic, energy, trade, transport, communication and humanitarian spheres is commendable. The long-term cooperation in the energy sector, especially the important role played by Azerbaijan in the energy security of Europe, was particularly noted. In addition, it was emphasised that the establishment of the Azerbaijan-Italy University, which is of great importance in bilateral relations, has given additional impetus to the strategic partnership.

During the meeting, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov informed the other side in detail about the past Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, the current situation and realities in the region in the post-conflict period, the results of the historic Washington meeting, and the large-scale restoration and construction work being carried out in the liberated territories.

Besides, views were also exchanged on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

The Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES) of Azerbaijan has reported that police officers notified the ‘112’ emergency hotline about the discovery of military ordnance in Kangarli and Ordubad districts at different times, Azernews reports.

According to MES, pyrotechnic specialists from the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic were immediately dispatched to the sites following the reports.

After implementing necessary security measures in coordination with law enforcement officers, the ordnance was examined. Authorities confirmed the presence of one RGD-5 hand grenade, one UZRQ detonator, and one 85mm BR-365 artillery shell.

The explosives were safely removed and neutralised by the pyrotechnics team, ensuring the safety of the surrounding area.

Azerbaijan has celebrated Kelaghayi Day with a lively and colorful celebration at the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theater, Azernews reports.

The event, organized by the Mirvarid Dilbazi Poetry Assembly Public Union and the Kelaghayi House Museum with the support of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, brought together art lovers, cultural figures, and community members to honor one of the nation’s most treasured cultural symbols.

The festival opened with the performance of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan, followed by a solemn one-minute silence in memory of the country’s martyrs.

Gullu Eldar Tomarli, chairperson of the Poetry Assembly and director of the Kelaghayi House Museum, addressed the audience, highlighting the importance of promoting Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage. She shared details of numerous events, exhibitions, and festivals organized by the Assembly throughout the year, both within Azerbaijan and abroad. Tomarli noted that the inclusion of the kelaghayi in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List has significantly elevated the international recognition of this traditional art form.

The celebration featured a stunning exhibition showcasing ancient and modern kelaghayis, handcrafted works by Gullu Eldar Tomarli, paintings by Gulnara Mammadova, and traditional household items such as chests, clay dishes, jugs, and bowls, representing the nation’s enduring cultural values.

Visitors were treated to both traditional silk weaving and contemporary styles of kelaghayi art. A live demonstration of spinning wool, cotton, and silk fibers into thread using a “jere” captivated the audience, reviving the delicate, fading traditions of Azerbaijani folk art.

During the festival, Gullu Eldar Tomarli’s book “Kelaghayi Festival” and Brilyant Atesh’s “The Road from the Past” were presented and gifted to guests, adding a literary dimension to the cultural celebration.

Officials, including Heydar Mirzayev from the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and Panah Imanov, head of a department of the Khatai District Executive Authority, emphasized that the kelaghayi represents a vital part of Azerbaijan’s national and spiritual values.

Speakers at the event, including Murvet Asgarov, chairman of the Khatai District Council of Elders and father of martyr Major Rufat Asgarov, Matana Guliyeva, mother of martyr Rashad Guliyev, the sister of missing martyr Ismayil Ismayilov, poet Lale Ismayil, and veteran Taleh Aliyev, stressed the significance of promoting and presenting the kelaghayi. They pointed out that such projects play a critical role in preserving cultural traditions, passing them to future generations, and raising public awareness of Azerbaijan’s intangible heritage.

The festival continued with a vibrant artistic program, celebrating the beauty, history, and enduring legacy of the kelaghayi, leaving visitors inspired by this unique symbol of Azerbaijani identity.

Kelaghayi, traditionally produced in Azerbaijan since ancient times, is a square-shaped headscarf for women woven from silk threads.

On November 26, 2014, at the session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the art of Azerbaijani kelaghayi was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity under the title Kelaghayi Symbolism and Traditional Art.

High-quality kelaghayis were historically produced in cities such as Tabriz, Ganja, Shamakhi, Sheki, Nakhchivan, and in Basgal village in the Ismayilli district.

The borders (edges) of the kelaghayi, and sometimes the central panel, were decorated using basma printing with geometric and botanical motifs. Each weaving center produced kelaghayis with ornaments unique to their region.

Kelaghayis were widely used and varied in size and color. Older women preferred dark, large scarves, while younger women favored small, white or brightly colored kelaghayis.

The kelaghayi has long been an integral part of Azerbaijani customs, serving as a symbolic marker of blessing, misfortune, happiness, or grief. Examples of these traditions include covering a bride’s head with a white kelaghayi, tying white, onion-colored, orange, or cranberry kelaghayis to the front of a wedding carriage, hanging black kelaghayis outside homes during mourning, offering kelaghayis at mosques or shrines when wishes are fulfilled, and distributing them to the poor or disabled.

These silk products delighted locals, visitors, and tourists alike and were prominently displayed at exhibitions and fairs.

Kelaghayis have always added a unique mystery and charm to the graceful, spirited walk of Azerbaijani women. They capture the shy and timid glances, playful smiles, and the delicate beauty of the female face, which poets and folk singers have long celebrated in their works.

In kelaghayi production, a variety of color shades are used. Natural dyes are prepared from different plants, including sumac, barberry, bitter orange, wild apple, saffron, blackcurrant and others.

Joint projects are planned between the opera institutions of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, Azernews reports.

Cooperation issues were discussed between the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theaters and the Turkish State Opera and Ballet Theater.

Director of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater Yusif Eyvazov and Director-General of the Turkish State Opera and Ballet Tan Sagtrk reached agreements on joint projects.

The sides touched upon the preparation of reciprocal tour programs, the exchange of soloists and creative teams, as well as the organization of master classes by specialists in both theaters.

The French-German pianist and blogger, Emilio Piano (Emil Jean Joachim Rainer), shared a heartwarming moment on social media during his recent visit to Baku, Azernews reports.

While playing the piano in the Philharmonic Garden, a charming little girl approached and asked him to play the song “Pretty Little Baby.” However, what happened next took everyone by surprise: the girl began singing the song herself.

“Today I was playing piano in a park in Azerbaijan when a cute little girl came up to me and asked me to play Pretty Little Baby. But nobody expected her to start singing. Her voice was so good and so adorable. Later, I found out she’s only four years old and already super popular on social media!”

The young singer Nafas Huseynova was just 4 years old and had already gained significant popularity on social media.

The little girl who sang “Pretty Little Baby” with her performance made an impression on both Emilio and the audience.

SIMA, the next-generation digital signature solution, has introduced a new QR-based sharing function that allows users to securely delegate their signing authority to another person-such as an accountant or responsible employee-on a one-time basis, without any additional risk, Azernews reports.

The new feature is designed to minimize time loss in document workflows and ensure faster, more flexible process management.

How the new functionality works:

1. The person performing an identification or signing operation on any electronic portal scans the relevant QR code using the SIMA Imza mobile app.

2. After the QR code is scanned, a unique signing link is automatically generated.

3. This link is sent to the signature owner through any communication channel.

4. When the signature owner clicks the link, they are redirected to their SIMA Imza app.

5. The document is signed with a 6-digit PIN, fingerprint, or Face ID authentication.

6. After successful verification, the document is marked as signed in the system, completing the process.

This feature provides users with a secure and fully controlled way to delegate signing authority. It is especially beneficial for business managers who need to grant temporary signing rights to other responsible employees without exposing their personal security data. Because the process relies on the signature owner’s own authentication, the owner sees exactly which system is being accessed and which document is being signed before confirming.

Currently, taxpayers can obtain a SIMA digital signature free of charge. By entering the ‘6AYPULSUZ’ promo code while obtaining an entrepreneur or legal entity signature certificate in the mobile app, users can enjoy six months of free subscription.

SIMA, a next-generation digital signature created in 2022 by AzInTelecom, a company under AZCON Holding, can be obtained entirely remotely-users only need to download the SIMA Imza mobile application and complete the registration process.

On 25 November, SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf met with Tetsuya Yamada, Chairman of the Japan-Azerbaijan Economic Committee and Chief Operating Officer of ITOCHU Corporation, Azernews reports, citing SOCAR.

The meeting highlighted the successful development of mutually beneficial cooperation between Azerbaijan and Japan. It was noted that the constructive discussions held to date have played an important role in strengthening bilateral relations. In this context, the participants recalled with satisfaction the twelfth joint meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Japan, held in Tokyo in September of this year.

During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on joint projects implemented by SOCAR and ITOCHU, and discussed potential areas for cooperation across various segments of the energy sector. They reviewed opportunities related to oil and gas production and transportation, energy infrastructure, the application of modern industrial technologies, and other issues of mutual interest.

The AFFA Executive Committee has convened for its latest meeting, during which AFFA President Rovshan Najaf outlined the agenda for the session, Azernews reports.

The first topic was a report from head coach Aykhan Abbasov on the national team’s recent World Cup qualifying matches. The team’s performance was thoroughly reviewed, and there was an exchange of ideas regarding upcoming games.

Next, AFFA Executive Vice-President Sarkhan Hajiyev provided an update on preparations for the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. Plans and next steps for the event were discussed in detail.

It is expected that each country will host 26 matches including 18 group stage games, 4 round of 16 games, 2 quarter-finals and a semi-final.

Around 24 teams will qualify for the final tournament. Alongside Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, which automatically qualify as hosts, the remaining 22 teams will secure their spots through six different continental competitions.

AFFA General Secretary Jahangir Faradjullayev then presented an overview of the state of refereeing.

Following his presentation, the current situation was assessed, and several structural changes were approved.

As part of these changes, Frank De Bleker, Chairman of the Referees Committee, will now also serve as the International Refereeing and Referee Training Advisor to the Secretary General.

The AFFA committee then discussed and unanimously approved the nomination of Rahim Hasanov as the new Chairman of the Referees Committee.

It also accepted Zaur Akhundov’s request to step down from his position on the AFFA Executive Committee.

New appointments were made to the AFFA Disciplinary Committee, with Zumrud Aghayeva and Murad Mammadov confirmed as members.

Lastly, the licensing regulations for the 2026/2027 season were officially approved.

Formed in 1992, the Azerbaijan Association of Football Federations (AFFA) is the governing body of football in Azerbaijan.

The Association is responsible for overseeing all aspects of amateur and professional games in its territory.

It runs numerous competitions, the most famous of which is the Azerbaijan Cup. AFFA is a member of both UEFA and FIFA.

During his visit to Ankara on Monday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Speaking at a joint press conference, President Erdogan said that negotiations with South Korea on the construction of a nuclear power plant in Trkiye are ongoing. The discussions particularly focus on Trkiye’s second planned nuclear facility in the northern province of Sinop, where South Korea is exploring potential partnership opportunities.

The leaders also touched on cooperation in the defense industry, highlighting the broad scope of strategic collaboration between the two nations.

President Lee emphasized that the meeting reaffirmed the countries’ strategic partnership, expressing confidence that these ties will continue to strengthen and benefit future generations.

‘Trkiye, located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, has become a key base for Korean companies seeking access to the European market,’ Lee noted. He added that South Korea is committed to deepening joint ventures in areas such as renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and advanced science and technology.

Analysts suggest that this agreement could accelerate technology transfer and innovation, while positioning Trkiye as a hub for South Korean companies in both energy and high-tech industries. The collaboration also signals growing geopolitical and economic alignment between the two nations in a rapidly evolving regional landscape.