Azerbaijani captive recounts horrific torture by Armenians in Khankendi hospital in 1994

At a trial of Armenian nationals at the Baku Military Court on May 26, a victim of Azerbaijani nationality, Zahid Hasanov, delivered testimony, recounting his capture and the torture he endured in captivity.

He said he was wounded on March 7, 1994, in the village of Ashagi Seyidahmadli in the Fuzuli district, where he remained until March 8, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

"On March 8, Armenians entered the village. They captured us—four wounded men. Despite our injuries, they transported us in a KamAZ truck and later subjected us to torture in a hospital."

He stated that they were held in Children's Hospital No. 3 in Khankendi. Other prisoners and hostages, including women and children, were also kept there. The International Committee of the Red Cross never visited them. There was a Committee representative named Mark, and a nurse named Veronika. Hasanov said he stayed there for about a month and a half, during which time Mark came twice. “He did not examine our wounds or do anything to help. Moreover, he arrived intoxicated, and his interpreters were Armenian girls. Later, we were moved to a prison in Shusha, where Mark never came.”

He also recounted how, while they were being held in the hospital in Khankendi, schoolchildren accompanied by teachers visited them: “They showed us to the children and said: ‘Look, these are Turks, your enemies.’ The children spat on us and threw stones.”

The victim noted that some prisoners were beaten to death. He emphasised that the Armenians tortured them solely because they were Azerbaijanis.

The trial of citizens of the Republic of Armenia, accused of crimes against peace and humanity resulting from Armenia's military aggression, war crimes—including the planning and waging of an aggressive war—genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and numerous other offenses, is scheduled to continue on May 29.

By Khagan Isayev