Baku: The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, facing charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan for crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued on November 24, as reported by APA.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the open court session took place at the Baku Military Court under the leadership of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov on the panel, and reserve judge Gunel Samadova. Ruben Vardanyan was provided with an interpreter for the Russian language and a state-funded defense lawyer. Judge Aghayev introduced the judges, prosecutors, interpreters, and others involved to the victims and legal successors attending the hearing for the first time, explaining their legal rights and obligations.
The court session proceeded with the testimonies of the victims. Victim Mirhuseyn Salahov, responding to inquiries from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, recounted being wounded by mortar shell explosions launched by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal armed detachments in the Kalbajar district. Eltuhan Jabiyev, answering questions from Nasir Bayramov, head of the Public Prosecution Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office, described being injured by gunfire from the same forces in Kalbajar.
Telman Farhadli testified about sustaining injuries from enemy fire in Kalbajar, adding that two more individuals were injured during the incident. Islam Masiyev and Mehdi Ahmadov, when questioned by state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, mentioned suffering bodily injuries from a mortar shell explosion in Kalbajar. Khalil Khasmammadov, along with two others, was injured during an enemy provocation, leading to two fatalities.
Inquiries from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova led victim Ariz Mammadov to describe injuries sustained from mortar fire in Khalfali village, Shusha district. Elnur Shikhiyev reported being wounded while driving an ambulance in Kalbajar, despite the vehicle bearing a distinctive insignia, it came under mortar fire.
Sadig Aliyev and Musannif Aliyev, responding to Assistant to the Prosecutor General for Special Assignments Tugay Rahimli, recounted injuries from enemy provocations in Kalbajar. Victim Yagir Sultanov mentioned being hurt by a mortar shell explosion, while Ilyas Babazade reported injuries from an artillery shell explosion that killed Nijat Garazade.
Farid Ibrahimov and Elgun Talibov shared their experiences of injuries from artillery explosions fired by Armenian forces in Aghdam and Aghdara, respectively. Khayal Habibov recounted injuries from a mine explosion in Lachin, and Vugar Hasanov described being wounded by enemy fire in Aghdam.
Other victims, including Mustafa Aghayev, Amrah Abdiyev, Natig Zeynalli, and others, emphasized injuries from enemy fire across various locations by Armenian forces and illegal armed groups. The court session continued with examining documents and other evidence related to the criminal case.
The next hearing is scheduled for November 25. Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges, including war aggression, deportation, persecution, torture, mercenary activity, terrorism, financing terrorism, illegal entrepreneurship, and other serious offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.