Baku: The court proceedings in the criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen accused of multiple serious crimes, continued in the Baku Military Court. Vardanyan faces charges under various articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and other grave offenses. The trial is chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, and reserve judge Gunel Samadova.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the defendant was provided with a Russian translator and a lawyer of his choice. During the session, Judge Zeynal Agayev informed the victims of their rights and obligations, as it was their first appearance in court. Ruben Vardanyan submitted a motion requesting a copy of the indictment for his family and also sought consideration of previous motions, which Judge Agayev stated had already been addressed.

Vardanyan’s lawyer, Avraam Berman, supported his client’s position, while Nasir Bayramov from the Prosecutor General’s Office argued against reconsidering the motion. The court, after deliberation, denied Vardanyan’s request.

Testimonies from victims and their legal successors were presented, detailing incidents involving the remnants of the Armenian army and illegal armed groups. Zaur Badalov testified about his son Javidan’s death in Kalbajar, while others, like Ilgar Khalilov and Sadagat Samadov, shared similar accounts of their sons’ deaths in the region.

Victims like Elbrus Eminov and Tural Jabiyev recounted injuries from explosions caused by artillery and grenades, attributing them to Armenian forces. In Khojaly, Togrul Osmanli and Huseyn Hadiyev detailed their injuries from enemy attacks, while Farzani Najafzadeh described being hit by sniper fire and subsequent grenade attacks.

Fikret Mammadov and others provided accounts of injuries from mortar shell explosions in Aghdam, with some incidents resulting in fatalities. The court also heard from victims like Eljan Nagiyev and Elmir Gurbanov, who suffered from grenade explosions in Khojaly and Aghdam, respectively.

The court announced results from forensic medical examinations conducted on the victims, and the next session is scheduled for June 17. Vardanyan’s charges span multiple articles, ranging from war crimes to terrorism and illegal activities.