Baku: The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued at the Baku Military Court. This session was presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov on the panel, and reserve judge Gunel Samadova. Vardanyan was provided with an interpreter in Russian and a state-funded defense lawyer.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the panel of judges, the prosecutors, interpreters, and other participants to the victims and their legal successors attending the hearing for the first time. He also explained their rights and obligations under Azerbaijani law. The court then proceeded to hear the testimonies of the victims.
Victims Anar Jafarov and Rashad Abbasov recounted that their vehicle hit a mine planted by the enemy in the direction of Marzili village in Aghdam district, resulting in injuries. State prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev questioned victim Feyruz Musayev, who described how his bulldozer came under machine-gun fire near Zar village in Kalbajar district, though he was not injured, the equipment was damaged.
Victim Israil Babayev provided testimony about being wounded due to enemy provocation in the Kalbajar-Zod direction. Another victim, Safar Gasimov, reported fatalities and injuries caused by fire from remnants of Armenian armed forces and illegal groups. Victims Kamal Javadli, Namat Baghirov, and Amrah Hajizada were among those who sustained injuries.
State prosecutor Tarana Mammadova questioned victim Elgun Talibov, who detailed being wounded by enemy fire in Charaktar village, Aghdara district. Muzamil Orujov was injured by enemy fire in Kalbajar district. Victims Maarif Abbasov, Ramiq Hasanov, and Rustam Rustamli described injuries from enemy provocations in Daghyurd village, Khojaly district, with M. Abbasov noting injuries from a mortar shell explosion.
Assistant to the Prosecutor General, Tughay Rahimli, questioned victim Vusal Abbasov, who was shot by sniper fire in Khankandi city. Victim Fagan Valiyev described being wounded while in a marked medical vehicle hit by a rocket projectile in Aghdam district. Ahliyar Muradov recounted injuries from a mortar shell explosion in a forested area of Aghdam district.
Elyas Mammadli testified about injuries sustained in Khanabad village, Khojaly district, from a mortar shell explosion. State prosecutor Fuad Musayev questioned victim Joshgun Nasirov, who described being wounded by enemy fire in the same region. Victim Eldar Huseynov reported injuries and fatalities from an artillery shell explosion in the direction of Farrukh height, Khojaly.
Nasir Bayramov, head of the department at the Prosecutor General’s Office, questioned victim Rajab Shukurov, who described injuries from mortar shell explosions in Khanabad village, Khojaly district. The session continued with the examination of documents and evidence in the criminal case file. The next hearing is scheduled for 21 November.