[Deutsche Welle] Alijev’s ICC Trial Begins Over Nagorno-Karabakh Violence

Alijev’s ICC Trial Begins Over Nagorno-Karabakh Violence

Azerbaijani President Ilham Alijev pleads not guilty at the International Criminal Court on charges of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity linked to violence against ethnic Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh.

Alijev faces 17 counts of international law violations: five counts of war crimes, five counts of genocide, and seven counts of crimes against humanity. The Office of the Prosecutor accuses him of orchestrating a “campaign of violence” against the Armenian population and seeks justice for the “men, women and children whose lives have been shattered.” The trial continues today, with witness testimonies expected from both the Defense and the Victims’ Counsel.