BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 8. The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism and other serious crimes, continued on December 8, TurkicWorld reports.
The open court session at the Baku Military Court was held under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov on the panel (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). The accused was provided with an interpreter in Russian, the language he understands, as well as a state-funded defence lawyer.
Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the panel of judges, the prosecutors upholding the state accusation, the interpreters and others to the victims and legal successors of victims participating for the first time and explained their statutory rights and obligations.
After that, the testimonies of the victims were heard.
Victim Nuran Gasimov stated in his testimony that he was injured in the leg as a result of the enemy’s attack on our territories in Lachin. In response to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, he also said that there were others injured at the time of the incident.
Victim Alimukhtar Ibrahimov stated in his testimony that he was injured together with Gasimov, who had testified before him. In response to questions from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, he noted that several other people were also injured at that time.
Victim Panah Aliyev stated in his testimony that he was injured in the head as a result of enemy sabotage in Lachin. In response to questions from Nasir Bayramov, head of the department of the Directorate for the Protection of State Prosecution at the Prosecutor General's Office, he said that several individuals had received injuries of varying degrees at the time of the incident.
Answering the questions of Vusal Aliyev, senior assistant to the Prosecutor General, victim Asgar Baylarov said that he had sustained a closed craniocerebral injury as a result of enemy sabotage in Lachin.
Answering the questions of Tugay Rahimli, assistant to the Prosecutor General for special assignments, victim Ulvi Rahimov said that he was wounded in the arm as a result of the enemy’s attack in Lachin.
Answering the questions of state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, victim Elvin Salimov said that during the enemy’s attack on our territories in Lachin he sustained injuries to his head area and hand.
Victim Samir Mammadov also said that he was wounded as a result of enemy sabotage in Lachin.
The court hearing continued with the announcement of the testimonies of other victims. Thus, a group of individuals recognized as victims in the case had previously sent petitions to the court during earlier hearings, stating that they could not attend the sessions for valid reasons and confirming the testimonies they had given during the preliminary investigation. At previous hearings, the parties did not object to the announcement of these testimonies in court.
During the announcement of documents, the accused Ruben Vardanyan made a motion. He said that he wanted to familiarize himself with certain documents related to the criminal case, including inquiries.
Vardanyan’s defense lawyer Emil Babishov asked the court to grant the motion.
Vusal Aliyev, senior assistant to the Prosecutor General, commented on the motion, stating that the prosecution side does not object to the defense counsel or the accused himself reviewing the documents in question.
Judge Aghayev, who presided over the court, stated regarding the motion that the defense side may familiarize themselves with the documents during the week, and the necessary conditions will be created for this.
The next court hearing has been scheduled for December 9.
Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).
