Baku: The court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under various articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued at the Baku Military Court. The charges include crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and financing of terrorism.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the open court session was chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, and reserve judge Gunel Samadova. The accused, Ruben Vardanyan, was provided with a Russian translator and defense lawyers of his choice. Judge Agayev introduced the judicial panel, prosecutors, translators, and explained the rights and obligations to the victims and their legal heirs.

The court heard testimonies from the victims' legal heirs and the victims themselves. Iskandar Isgandarov, father of victim Gorkhmaz Isgandarov, testified about his son's death in Kalbajar due to enemy provocation. Zulfira Gadirova, mother of Amid Gadirov, spoke about her son's death in Aghdara due to shelling by Armenian forces. Similar testimonies were given by the legal heirs of other victims, detailing deaths and injuries caused by enemy provocations and shelling.

Victims like Shohrat Jafarov and Anar Glinchev recounted their experiences of injury from explosions and shelling. Several other victims, including Shamsi Kazimly, Azad Akhundov, and Yusif Omarov, shared their stories of injuries sustained in various locations attributed to enemy actions.

The session also covered forensic medical examination reports concerning the victims. The court has scheduled the next session for September 16. Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges, including planning and waging a war of aggression, deportation, persecution, torture, and other serious offenses under the Azerbaijani Criminal Code.