Azerbaijan sets date for trial of Armenian separatist

The date for the trial of Armenian separatist Ruben Vardanyan has been set in Azerbaijan.

The preliminary hearing for the criminal case is scheduled for January 17. The case will be heard in the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The investigation was conducted by the Main Investigation Department of the Azerbaijani State Security Service, covering charges related to terrorism, financing of terrorism, crimes against peace and humanity against the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people, war crimes, and numerous other offenses.

Vardanyan, who was previously a Russian citizen and is currently a citizen of Armenia, the founder and leader of "Troika Dialog" company, member of the Board of Directors of KAMAZ company in Russia, independent director of the Volga-Dnepr Group in that country, and held other positions, was officially charged on September 25, 2023, under Articles 214-1, 279.3, and 318.1 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.

A warrant for his arrest was issued, and he was detained on September 27, 2023, and handed over to the authorities, with formal charges brought the same day.

Based on irrefutable evidence, Vardanyan has been formally accused under Articles 100, 107, 109, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 214, 214-1, 218, 228, 270-1, 278, 279, and 318 of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, as well as other charges related to his involvement in a criminal organisation. This includes his participation in illegal armed groups and the fabricated "Republic of Nagorno-Karabakh" established on Azerbaijan’s territories previously occupied by Armenia. During the investigation, the accused’s right to defense, use of the language they are proficient in, and other procedural rights were fully ensured. 

The accused was provided with attorneys of their choice, and the motions submitted by them and their legal representatives were considered in accordance with the requirements of the criminal procedure law, with appropriate decisions. 

Vardanyan and other participants in the criminal process were informed of the completion of the preliminary investigation and were given access to all documents of the case, including physical evidence, documents, expert opinions, and other evidence. 

The indictment in the criminal case was approved by the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan on December 28, 2024, and was forwarded to the Baku Military Court for further consideration.

By Naila Huseynova