Elmir Abbasov, a soldier wounded during the April 2016 battles in the Tartar district, testified at an ongoing trial at the Baku Military Court.
Abbasov stated that Armenian armed forces began shelling on the night of April 1–2, 2016, launching what he described as a provocative attack. “According to the rules of war, a military unit should only engage another military unit,” he said. “However, they fired prohibited shells into villages and civilian areas—poisonous and incendiary munitions. The Armenian side used banned weapons extensively.”
He explained that in addition to cast iron fragments, the “shrapnel-type” shells used by the Armenian forces contained more than 2,000 needles. “Even a single needle can cause mass poisoning,” he said. “During our training, we were shown videos proving that just touching one of these needles—even without penetration—can poison the body.”
Abbasov responded to questions from state prosecutors, the victims' lawyers, the defense, and the accused. Levon Mnatsakanyan, one of the defendants, admitted to participating in the April battles and said, “In 2016, I served as an army commander. To be honest, I’ve never heard of what has been presented here before.”
Mnatsakanyan also inquired about Abbasov’s rank and position at the time. Abbasov replied that he had served as a battery commander in an artillery division and held the rank of captain.
The court proceedings continue against Armenian nationals accused of crimes including war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide, aggression, terrorism, and violations of the laws of war. The charges also include financing of terrorism, the violent seizure and retention of power, and other serious offenses.
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