Baku: The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused of multiple offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued at the Baku Military Court. The charges include crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and financing of terrorism, among other serious offenses.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the open court session was overseen by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, and reserve Judge Gunel Samadova. Vardanyan, who was provided a translator to speak in Russian, was represented by a lawyer of his choice. The session began with Judge Aghayev explaining the rights and responsibilities to the victims and legal successors participating.
Ruben Vardanyan objected to the judicial panel’s impartiality, citing concerns raised after reviewing previous court session protocols. His lawyer, Avraam Berman, supported this objection. However, Vusal Aliyev, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, argued that there was no justification for the objection, which the court subsequently dismissed.
Victims and legal successors then testified about crimes committed under Armenia’s aggressive war and occupation policy. Testimonies included accounts of deaths and injuries caused by gunfire, artillery shelling, and mine explosions. Witnesses detailed incidents across various locations, including Kalbajar, Lachin, Aghdara, and Khojavend. The court also presented forensic medical examination results during the proceedings.
The next hearing is scheduled for July 1, as Ruben Vardanyan faces numerous charges, including planning and waging a war of aggression, deportation, torture, mercenary activity, and terrorism, among others under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.