Baku: Court hearings in the criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen facing charges including torture, mercenary activity, and violation of warfare laws, continued at the Baku Military Court. The proceedings, presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev and a panel of judges, included the questioning of victims who detailed the impact of artillery strikes on medical units during the conflict.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the open hearings involved testimonies from victims who recounted their experiences during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state in December 2020. The accused, Ruben Vardanyan, was provided with a Russian interpreter and legal representation, and his defense team requested to review the minutes of the hearings.
Victim Vahid Aliyev shared that he became aware of Vardanyan through social networks and media. He described being wounded by artillery fire during a military provocation by the Armenian army, which resulted in casualties among his acquaintances. Anar Jalalov, another victim, recounted his injury from an artillery shell explosion, resulting in casualties and injuries among his servicemen.
Victim Emin Shahbazov provided a detailed account of an incident in Aghdam where he suffered a head injury during an artillery attack, emphasizing the ongoing nature of his medical treatment. Hilal Hasanov testified about being wounded while preventing an enemy military provocation in Aghdara, and Zamig Hasratov recounted injuries from mortar fire.
Elnur Hasanov described multiple injuries from enemy fire, noting the removal of shrapnel and the ongoing presence of fragments in his body. Fariz Manafov spoke about the frequent provocations involving large-caliber weapons, resulting in casualties among his fellow soldiers.
Agshin Balakishiyev, chief of the medical service, highlighted the targeting of medical facilities marked with a red crescent. He described artillery strikes on ambulances and medical personnel, violating international conventions. Habil Guliyev and Farhad Taghiyev detailed incidents where enemy fire targeted medical evacuation vehicles, resulting in injuries.
Statements from other victims, including Hijran Sultanov, Ruslan Heydarov, and others, corroborated the pattern of artillery fire and sniper attacks leading to injuries. Forensic medical examination conclusions were presented during the hearings, with the next session scheduled for April 15.
Ruben Vardanyan faces numerous charges under Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code, including planning and waging a war of aggression, deportation, persecution, torture, and financing terrorism. The hearings continue to shed light on the alleged criminal activities and their impact on military and medical personnel during the conflict.