Baku: The court proceedings against Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen facing charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued at the Baku Military Court. Vardanyan is accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and financing terrorism, among other serious offenses.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the open court session was presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with support from judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, and reserve judge Gunel Samedova. The court ensured Vardanyan had access to an interpreter fluent in Russian and a state-appointed lawyer for his defense. During the session, Vardanyan requested and was granted a private discussion with his defense counsel, Emil Babishov, before the prosecution’s address.
Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, Vusal Aliyev, addressed the court, stating that the judicial investigation had concluded after nearly a year of hearings. He asserted that the evidence confirmed Vardanyan’s involvement in multiple criminal activities. The prosecution highlighted Vardanyan’s participation in a criminal organization formed by Armenia in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, focusing on the social dangers and crimes committed by this group.
Aliyev detailed the historical context, noting the occupation of various Azerbaijani regions by Armenian forces between 1988 and 1994. These occupations led to widespread destruction, looting, and displacement. The prosecutor referred to operational documents confirming Vardanyan’s involvement with the criminal organization since December 2020.
The prosecution linked Vardanyan to the terrorist organization ‘VoMa’ and its founder Vartanov Vladimir Levanovich. Evidence indicated Vardanyan’s role in training fighters and organizing terrorist acts against Azerbaijan, as well as financing these activities. Additionally, Vardanyan faced charges of illegally crossing Azerbaijan’s state border, supported by evidence found during his detention.
Further charges included Vardanyan’s alleged financing of mine-laying operations and establishment of military depots in Azerbaijani territories. The prosecutor accused him of launching the ‘Nemesis-2’ terrorist operation and attempting to acquire British-manufactured UAVs for illegal armed units.
Aliyev proposed a life sentence for Vardanyan, recommending the absorption of lesser penalties into the more severe punishment for numerous charges, including war crimes, terrorism, and illegal crossing of the border. The prosecutor advised maintaining Vardanyan’s arrest until the verdict is finalized, with the sentence commencing from his detention date, September 27, 2023.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 26.