Baku: The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, a citizen of Armenia facing charges of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and other serious offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued with an open court session at the Baku Military Court. The session, chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev, accompanied by Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, provided Vardanyan with a Russian translator and a lawyer of his choice for his defense.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Judge Zeynal Agayev addressed the rights and obligations of victims and legal heirs present for the first time. The court then proceeded to hear testimonies from victims and their legal heirs about the incidents leading to the charges against Vardanyan.
Bilal Mammadhasanov, the father of victim Gasim Mammadhasanov, testified about his son’s death in Khojaly due to gunfire from remnants of the Armenian army. Makkah Ahmadova, mother of victim Rizvan Ahmadov, similarly recounted her son’s death in Khojaly during enemy gunfire.
Farida Seyidova described her son, Tural Seyidov’s, death in Khojaly from a mine explosion, while Gulbaniz Amiraslanova testified about her son, Ramin Huseynov’s, death in Aghdara due to enemy provocations. Mustafa Nematov and Aladdin Mardanov also shared accounts of their sons’ deaths from sniper fire and anti-tank mines, respectively.
Several other victims and legal heirs, including Shahmar Shamshiyev, Said Taghizada, and Kamran Mirzayev, gave testimonies about the loss of their loved ones in conflict zones such as Aghdara, Aghdam, and Khankendi due to enemy actions.
The court additionally heard from victims who survived attacks, detailing injuries from sniper fire, artillery shells, and grenade explosions. The forensic medical examinations’ results were announced, and the next court session was scheduled for September 2.
Ruben Vardanyan faces numerous charges, including planning war, deportation, persecution, torture, terrorism, and illegal activities related to arms and aviation safety, under multiple articles of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code.