Baku: The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen facing numerous charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued in an open session at the Baku Military Court. The charges include crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and other serious offenses. Presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, the court session featured judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, with Gunel Samadova as reserve judge. The accused was provided with an interpreter and a state-funded defense lawyer.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the panel of judges, prosecutors, interpreters, and other officials to the victims and legal successors present at the hearing. He explained their rights and obligations under the law before the testimonies of the victims were heard.

Sardar Taghiyev, the legal heir of victim Sabuhi Taghiyev, testified that his brother was killed by enemy fire in Lachin. Victim Zeka Valiyev stated that Allahverdi Safiyev and Elnur Karimov were killed due to a mortar shell explosion in the Khojaly district, and he, along with Rasul Aghayev, sustained injuries. Vahid Aljanov mentioned a fatality and multiple injuries, including his own, due to a mortar shell in the Lachin district.

Elgun Ismayilov testified about injuries sustained by himself and Safar Huseynguliyev from fire in the Aghdara district. Bakhtiyar Huseynov recounted being wounded by an explosion from a hand grenade in the Kalbajar district. Nusrat Orujov reported a shoulder injury from a grenade explosion in Kalbajar.

Javid Khosiyev described injuries from a mortar shell explosion in the Aghdam-Khojaly direction. Nihad Seyidzade highlighted injuries sustained by himself and others from enemy fire in the Khojaly district. Baylar Karimov also testified to injuries from a mortar shell explosion in the Aghdam-Khojaly area.

The court session proceeded with the examination of documents and other evidence related to the criminal case. The next hearing is scheduled for December 2. Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges, including planning and waging a war of aggression, deportation, persecution, torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws of warfare, intentional murder, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and illegal border crossing, among others.