Baku: Court proceedings have commenced in the criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen, at the Baku Military Court. He faces multiple charges including torture, mercenary activity, violations of the laws and customs of warfare, terrorism, and financing terrorism, as reported by APA.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the hearings are being presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with a panel including judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, and reserve judge Gunel Samadova. Vardanyan was provided with a Russian interpreter and legal representation. At the outset of the hearing, Vardanyan and his defense attorney objected to the court’s composition, but the motion was not upheld after deliberations, with prosecutors citing a lack of specific grounds for the objection.

The proceedings continued with the Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, Vusal Aliyev, outlining the prosecution’s proposals for the sequence of evidence examination. Vardanyan, who reported feeling unwell due to a hunger strike, was granted a break for medical examination before proceedings resumed. Despite being offered the chance to make a free statement, Vardanyan declined.

Prosecutors then questioned Vardanyan on a range of topics, including his alleged involvement in Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, and his relationships with various Armenian officials and organizations. The prosecutors also inquired about his illegal activities within Azerbaijan’s sovereign territory and his role in the so-called regime’s operations. Vardanyan remained silent in response to these questions.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 4. Vardanyan faces charges under numerous articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code, including those related to war crimes, terrorism, and illegal border crossing, among others.