Baku: The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen charged with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued with the presentation of documents at the Baku Military Court. The court session, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and accompanied by judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, provided Vardanyan with a Russian interpreter and a state-funded defense lawyer.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the judicial panel, prosecutors, interpreters, and other officials to the victims and their legal successors, who were attending for the first time. The judge explained the statutory rights and obligations of those present. A group of victims had previously applied to the court, requesting to confirm their preliminary statements due to their inability to attend the session. The court agreed to announce these statements, which would be addressed during the session.
During the court proceedings, statements from victims, expert opinions, protocols, and other evidence from the criminal case files were presented. The next court hearing is scheduled for December 8.
Ruben Vardanyan is facing numerous charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. These charges include planning and waging a war of aggression, deportation, persecution, forcible disappearance, deprivation of liberty, torture, mercenary activities, violations of international humanitarian law, intentional murder, attempted murder, illegal entrepreneurship, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal group, illegal possession of firearms, acts threatening aviation safety, forcible seizure or retention of power, creation of unauthorized armed formations, and illegal crossing of the state border of Azerbaijan.