Baku: Court hearings on the criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen charged with multiple offenses including torture, mercenary activity, and terrorism, continued at the Baku Military Court. The proceedings were presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov also on the panel, and reserve judge Gunel Samadova. Vardanyan was provided with a Russian interpreter and was represented by defense attorneys.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the session involved the questioning of victims who testified about their injuries. Judge Zeynal Agayev explained the rights and obligations to the victims before the testimonies commenced. The victims, including Ilgar Orujov, Mardan Musayev, and others, recounted injuries caused by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.
Elvin Mammadli testified about being injured while evacuating a wounded soldier in an ambulance, which was attacked despite bearing a Red Crescent symbol. Nizami Bakhshaliyev, responding to public prosecutor Fuad Musayev, described being wounded by gunfire while stationed behind the front line, highlighting the opposing side’s objective to occupy land.
Ulvi Suleymanov shared that a fellow combatant died in his arms after they were wounded. Imran Hasanli, answering public prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, recounted being injured in an explosion in Sirkhavend, Aghdara district. Tural Mammadzada described sustaining shrapnel wounds during artillery fire in Aghdam.
Anar Rahimli, in response to public prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, narrated his experience of being wounded while performing civilian duties in Aghdam district. He described an encounter with an illegal armed formation that resulted in gunfire and subsequent injuries. Javid Mehdizada recounted being wounded during an enemy provocation in Abdal-Gulabli village, with fellow combatants martyred alongside him.
Victim Valeh Nuriyev also testified about injuries sustained during an enemy provocation, and Elshan Ibrahimli reported being wounded by sniper fire in Aghdam. All victims appealed for the harshest punishment for the accused. Forensic medical examination conclusions were announced during the session, with the next hearing scheduled for April 22.
Ruben Vardanyan faces numerous charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including planning and waging a war of aggression, deportation, persecution, torture, mercenary activity, terrorism, and violations of international humanitarian law, among others.