Baku: The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen facing serious charges under the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, continued at the Baku Military Court. Vardanyan is accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and financing terrorism, among other offenses. The trial is presided over by Judges Zeynal Agayev, Anar Rzayev, and Jamal Ramazanov, with reserve judge Gunel Samedova. During the hearing, Vardanyan was provided with a Russian-language interpreter and a lawyer of his choosing.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the session began with Judge Zeynal Agayev outlining the legal rights and responsibilities for victims attending for the first time and introducing them to court personnel. Avraam Berman, Vardanyan’s defense lawyer, objected to the judicial panel, citing concerns over the February 6, 2025, session transcript, which he claimed omitted the defense’s motions. Vardanyan supported his lawyer’s objection.
Senior Assistant Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev responded, stating that while the defense could comment on session records’ accuracy, the transcript omission was not sufficient to challenge the judicial panel’s objectivity. Aliyev accused the defense of using such objections to delay the trial and requested the court dismiss the objection. Victims present also requested its denial.
The court recessed for deliberation and later announced its decision to dismiss the objection due to insufficient evidence of bias. Testimonies from several victims followed.
Mahir Huseynov testified about injuries from an artillery shell fired by remnants of Armenian forces near Sirkhavand village, highlighting regular attacks on Azerbaijani positions and laying of landmines. Madat Rzayev recounted serious injuries from heavy artillery fire in the Lachin district. Mehman Hasanov shared his experience of being injured by a shell while working on road construction in Mollar, Aghdam.
Seymur Garayev described suffering a traumatic brain injury from a mortar shell explosion near Janyatag village. Sadig Bakhiyev spoke of being wounded by sniper fire in an incident where fellow soldiers were killed or injured. Jesaret Hasanzade testified about being injured by an anti-tank missile near Agdara district, which also injured other soldiers and killed their commander. Hasan Guliyev reported injuries from a shell explosion near Sirkhavand village.
The court reviewed medical examination reports for each victim, and the next session is scheduled for May 13. Vardanyan faces charges under numerous articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, including offenses related to war aggression, terrorism, and creation of armed formations.