Baku: The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, facing charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan for crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued at the Baku Military Court. The proceedings, presided by Judge Zeynal Aghayev alongside judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, ensured that Vardanyan was provided with an interpreter in Russian and a defense attorney of his choosing.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the court heard testimonies from victims and their legal heirs, marking their first participation in the trial. Judge Zeynal Aghayev explained their legal rights and obligations before the questioning began. During the session, Vardanyan’s lawyer, Avraam Berman, objected to the judges hearing the case, an objection which Vardanyan supported. However, Judge Aghayev noted that similar objections had been raised previously without new provisions, leading to its dismissal.
The session proceeded with Berman requesting a confidential meeting with his client, which was granted, leading to a court adjournment. Upon resumption, emotional testimonies were heard from the legal heirs of victims, including Ilgar Hasanov, who recounted the death of his son Amin Hasanov due to gunfire from Armenian forces in Aghdara. Similar accounts were shared by Narbala Babashov, Afgan Nasibov, and others, detailing losses and injuries caused by enemy actions in various regions including Khojavand, Shusha-Khankendi, and Kalbajar.
The prosecutor’s office, represented by Fuad Musayev, Tugay Rahimli, and others, questioned the victims and their heirs, who recounted incidents of gunfire, artillery shell explosions, and landmine detonations leading to deaths and injuries. Victims such as Ramil Guliyev, Elnur Hasanov, and Barzani Atayev provided harrowing details of their experiences, underscoring the impact of the conflict.
The court also reviewed forensic reports, including forensic medical examinations of mine victims and others, alongside forensic phonoscopic and explosion technical examination reports. The session concluded with the announcement of the next hearing scheduled for August 26.