Baku: The court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan continued, with the accused facing several charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Among the charges are crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other severe offenses, as reported during the session on October 21.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the open session, held at the Baku Military Court, was presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with a panel including Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, while Gunel Samadova served as the reserve judge. The accused was provided with an interpreter for the Russian language and defense lawyers of his choice. Judge Agayev introduced the court panel and other relevant parties to the victims and their legal heirs present for the first time, detailing their legal rights and obligations.

Ruben Vardanyan requested a confidential meeting with his defense attorney, Avraam Berman, which the court granted, leading to a brief recess. Following the recess, Vardanyan submitted a petition to waive his right to his defense attorney, expressing dissatisfaction with the court proceedings. Attorney Berman deferred the decision to the court’s discretion.

Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, Vusal Aliyev, commented that while the accused has the right to waive his attorney, he must either engage another lawyer or have one appointed by the state if financial constraints exist. Vardanyan confirmed the absence of a contract with another lawyer and agreed to a state-appointed attorney.

After deliberation, the court accepted Vardanyan’s waiver of Attorney Berman. The decision to appoint a state-funded defense attorney was forwarded to the Bar Association of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The court proceedings have been postponed, with the next hearing scheduled for October 28.

Vardanyan’s charges encompass a wide array of violations, including planning and waging a war of aggression, deportation, persecution, torture, mercenary activities, and terrorism, among others, under various articles in the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.