BAKU (Armen Press)–Azerbaijan’s military court began a special session Monday. Among those being prosecuted during this session was Garen Parashev who is charged with espionage–particularly for relaying Azeri military secrets to Armenian authorities.
As reported by Baku’s "Azadutyun" radio station–Parashev operates in a secret agent ring with Azeris spies Ilkar Aliyev–Vouzar Rahimov and others.
According to the opening remarks of the prosecution–Garen Azimi Parashev is of Armenian descent–born in Baku. After serving in the Soviet army–he settled in Astrakhanoum–where he acquired a new identity as a Lezkin.
In November of 1992–he met Armenian intelligence agent Levonov who suggested that Parashev return to Azerbaijan and work as a spy for Armenia’s benefit.
In February of 1993–Parashev entered the ran’s of the Azeri military–where he became a commanding general and was assigned one of the larger Azeri troops.
While in Baku–Parashev met Armenian intelligence agent Vidali Kalstian and received his first assignment. With the assistance of Azeri spy Elgar Aliyev–Parashev successfully dismantled a missile control and radar detection center–destroying all detected activity.
Maintaining contact with Kalstian–Parashev provided reports on the condition of Azeri forces–the number of spies–and military strategy.
As the group volunteering information to Parashev expanded–he became further involved in tampering with and destroying military equipment and other terrorist activity.
Azeri media reports indicate that the group with which Parashev was working has brought millions of dollars of damage to Azerbaijan.
A special presidential commission discovered the group in late 1996.
Parashev is accused of forged documentation–smuggling–sabotage–terrorist activity–and espionage. The trial is expected to be long and controversial.