An investigative-operational group was established in order to investigate crimes against peace and humanity, war and terrorism, including the Khojaly genocide and other crimes committed in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, and to file relevant petitions before international organizations regarding gross violations of international law.

APA reports that Military Prosecutor Khanlar Valiyev said this at the scientific-practical conference held at the Military Prosecutor's Office in connection with the 31st anniversary of the Khojaly genocide.

He said that from May 5, 2005, the investigation of that criminal case was assigned to the Military Prosecutor's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan, with the procedural management of the preliminary investigation entrusted to the military prosecutor of the republic.

"A total of about 81,000 investigative actions were carried out in the criminal case, including up to 28,500 persons were recognized as victims and legal heirs of the victim, and more than 30,000 persons were interrogated as witnesses.

Also, more than 18,000 people were recognized as civil plaintiffs, more than 2,800 different types of expertise were conducted, more than 31,000 procedural decisions were made, and many other necessary investigative actions were performed."

Khanlar Valiyev noted that during the investigation of the criminal case, 103 (Genocide), 107 (Deportation or forced transfer of the population) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding 40 people who were proven to have committed crimes against peace and humanity specifically in the Khojaly episode. 113 (Torture) and other articles, the following decisions were taken on their involvement as accused persons:

"According to the court decisions, preventive measures of arrest were chosen and the documents were sent to the National Bureau of Interpol in the Republic of Azerbaijan and the General Criminal Investigation Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs to ensure their search.

The former Minister of Defense Ohanyan Seyran Mushegovic is among the accused.

At present, comprehensive investigative and operational measures are being continued."