Accusations, counterclaims mark latest hearing in Vardanyan case at Baku court PHOTO

Court proceedings continued on July 22 in the high-profile criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian national facing multiple charges including crimes against peace and humanity, terrorism, and financing of terrorism under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.

The session was chaired by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and a panel of judges consisting of Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). The accused was provided with an interpreter in the language of his choice, i.e. Russian, as well as a lawyer for his defense, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

During the proceedings, Vardanyan lodged a formal protest, alleging unprofessional conduct by translators involved in the pre-trial investigation. His lawyer, Avraham Berman, echoed the complaint and identified those allegedly responsible.

However, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev countered the claims, stating that Vardanyan had failed to cite any specific examples to support allegations of incompetence or misconduct. No evidence, he said, had been provided to indicate that the translators had any personal stake in the outcome of the case. Aliyev urged the court to reject the protest outright.

Several victims present in the courtroom voiced agreement with the prosecution’s position.

Judge Zeynal Aghayev ruled that the defense had failed to offer sufficient justification or evidentiary support for the claims. “The defendant alleges unprofessional conduct by translators but has not submitted any credible evidence or valid reasoning,” the judge stated. As a result, the protest was dismissed without consideration.

Vardanyan, undeterred, made a second protest. He argued that upon reviewing the February 25 hearing transcript with his attorney, he had identified procedural violations in how previous motions were addressed. He accused the judicial panel of bias and claimed that it had a vested interest in pursuing criminal charges against him. Defense counsel Berman once again supported the objection.

Judge Aghayev reiterated that such objections must be submitted in writing and supported by substantive evidence. He noted that the defense had failed to identify any concrete circumstances that could compromise the court’s impartiality. Accordingly, the second protest was also dismissed.

The court then proceeded with witness testimony. Several victims and legal successors of victims took the stand to recount their experiences.

Eynur Kazimov, brother of the late Anar Kazimov, testified that his sibling had been killed in the Lachin district following shelling by remnants of Armenian armed forces and illegal armed groups.

Valeh Safarov, the legal successor of Gokhan Safarov, stated that his brother had died under enemy fire in the Aghdara district.

Victims Zamir Sadigov and Zulfugar Muradov described being injured in what they characterized as enemy provocations.

Kanan Gadirli testified that he had sustained bodily injuries while attempting to evacuate the wounded in Aghdara, adding that he continues to suffer from knee pain and is undergoing rehabilitation.

Another victim, Gunduz Gasimov, reported being wounded in the Kalbajar district when a shell exploded nearby. He noted that several individuals were injured in the incident and one person was killed at the scene.

Additional victims also gave testimony during the hearing.

The court adjourned until the next session, which is scheduled for July 29.

By Vafa Guliyeva