Baku: The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who faces charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan for crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and other serious offenses, progressed on 21 November at the Baku Military Court.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the court session was presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov on the panel, and reserve judge Gunel Samadova. The accused was provided with an interpreter for Russian and a state-funded defense lawyer. Judge Aghayev introduced the judicial panel, prosecutors, and interpreters to the victims and their legal successors attending the hearing for the first time, clarifying their rights and obligations.
The session proceeded with victim testimonies. Baylar Shabanov recounted that while traveling from Sugovushan towards Aghdara-Kalbajar, their vehicle was fired upon by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal armed groups, resulting in significant damage. Kanan Rzazade described an incident in Kalbajar district where an ambulance he was in was struck by a mortar shell, injuring him and Elvin Suleymanov.
Hasil Talibov reported fatalities and injuries due to enemy provocation in Zangilan district, while Zamin Amrali detailed casualties from a mortar shell explosion in the same area. Orkhan Alasgarov testified about injuries from artillery shelling in Kalbajar district, where Sarkhan Omarov was killed. Ibrahim Mayilli recounted a mortar shell explosion resulting in deaths and injuries in Zangilan district.
Alim Maharramov described injuries from a mine explosion in Gubadli district during demining efforts. Farid Shahbazov noted shrapnel injuries from mortar fire in Aliaghali village, Aghdam district. Parviz Shirinov reported injuries from a grenade explosion by Armenian armed forces in Janyatag village, Aghdara district.
Murtuz Namazov and Mahammad Gilmizliyev spoke of landmine injuries in Zangilan district, with Namazov sustaining a head injury and Gilmizliyev losing a knee. Sarkhan Isgandarov shared his experience of being injured by rifle fire in Gulyatag village, Aghdara district.
Victims Abdul Malikov, Mardan Allahverdiyev, and Sahil Rasulov described injuries from artillery and grenade fire in Vangli village, Aghdara district, with others also wounded. Ramil Manafov detailed being wounded by enemy fire in Zangilan district, while Samir Akbarov recounted landmine injuries during an evacuation in Aghdam district. Rustam Rustamov and other victims reported injuries from enemy fire.
The court session continued with the examination of documents and evidence in the criminal case file. The next hearing is set for 24 November. Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges, including planning and waging a war of aggression, deportation, persecution, torture, mercenary activity, violations of warfare laws, intentional murder, terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of a criminal group, illegal possession of firearms, acts threatening aviation safety, and other serious offenses.