Victim testifies to torture during captivity by Armenian forces in 44-day war

At a hearing held on July 25 at the Baku Military Court, Valihad Valiyev, a former Azerbaijani serviceman, recounted the torture he endured after being captured by Armenian armed forces during the 44-day war in 2020.

Valiyev testified that he was wounded by bullets and shrapnel and captured on October 22 in the Zangilan district. He stated that several of his fellow soldiers were martyred during the incident.

While in captivity, Valiyev said he was subjected to brutal torture: “They squeezed my right big toe with pliers, beat me in the face with fists and kicks, and hit my legs and arms with batons.” He was eventually returned to Azerbaijan on December 14.

The court case is part of broader proceedings against Armenian nationals accused of grave crimes, including war crimes, genocide, terrorism, and violations of international humanitarian law. These trials follow Armenia’s military aggression and are being conducted under Azerbaijan’s legal framework to ensure accountability for crimes committed during the conflict.