Baku: The court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan continued, with testimonies from legal heirs of victims and affected individuals. Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and other serious offenses.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the open court session at the Baku Military Court was presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov as part of the judicial panel. During the session, Vardanyan was provided with a translator in his native Russian and a representative for his defense. Judge Agayev introduced the court panel and explained the rights and obligations of the victims and their legal heirs.
The court acknowledged a telegram from translator Islam Agakerimov, who cited health reasons for his inability to participate. Agakerimov had been summoned by the court at Vardanyan’s request during a previous session. The defense counsel, Avram Berman, requested access to session protocols and extracts of court decisions, to which Judge Agayev responded that conditions would be provided for the defense to review these materials.
Testimonies from the legal heirs and victims were central to the proceedings. Jamal Heydarov, the legal heir of Shair Heydarov, testified about his son’s death in Lachin due to enemy fire. Sevinj Jalilova, the legal heir of David Jalilov, recounted her son’s death in Aghdara from fire by Armenian forces. Similar accounts were provided by the legal heirs of other victims, detailing deaths and injuries resulting from military actions by Armenian forces.
Victims also shared their experiences. Elkin Mirzahmadov sustained shrapnel wounds in Khojaly, while Rauf Huseynov was injured by a mortar shell explosion. Orkhan Baladov and others were injured when a rocket hit their vehicle in Aghdara. Several victims reported injuries due to enemy artillery fire and mine explosions in various regions of Azerbaijan.
Forensic medical examination reports of the victims were presented during the session. The court scheduled the next hearing for October 7. Vardanyan faces charges for planning and waging war of aggression, deportation, persecution, torture, terrorism, illegal entrepreneurship, and other serious crimes under the Azerbaijani Criminal Code.