Baku: Court proceedings continued on Tuesday in the high-profile trial of Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen facing a slew of serious charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including allegations of torture, mercenary activity, and violations of the laws and customs of warfare. The trial has attracted significant attention as victim testimonies were heard, shedding light on the incidents under scrutiny.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Mehman Hasanov, one of the victims, provided a detailed account of the events leading to his injury. Hasanov, who was working as an excavator driver in the Mollalar village of the Aghdam district, recounted how he was deployed for road construction activities when the incident occurred. He described hearing shell explosions while standing near his excavator and immediately sought refuge in a nearby wooded area. Despite his efforts to find safety, Hasanov sustained injuries to his right knee from a shell explosion approximately 80 meters away. Eyewitnesses assisted in his evacuation to the Aghdam District Central Hospital.

The court also reviewed the findings of a forensic medical examination conducted on Hasanov, further substantiating the injuries he sustained during the incident.

Ruben Vardanyan is facing multiple charges, including those related to planning and waging a war of aggression, deportation and forced displacement, persecution, and torture. The charges extend to mercenary activities, violations of international humanitarian law, intentional murder, and financing of terrorism, among others. The trial is ongoing as the court examines the extensive list of accusations, which also includes illegal entrepreneurship, creation of a criminal group, illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and acts threatening aviation safety.