Azerbaijani victims testify in Ruben Vardanyan’s war crimes trial PHOTO

On July 8, the trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offenses under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, continued.

The open court hearing was held at the Baku Military Court, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samedova). The accused was provided with an interpreter in Russian, the language he knows, and a defense attorney of his choice, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Judge Zeynal Aghayev explained the legal rights and obligations to victims and their legal heirs participating in the trial for the first time. He noted that the materials of the case had been reviewed regarding motions submitted by Ruben Vardanyan at the previous session, and the court had evaluated all motions presented by him and his defense.

Ruben Vardanyan then addressed the court, stating that the court had previously provided him and his defense with conditions to review session protocols. He requested access to decisions made during the preparatory session and reflected in the protocols, as well as excerpts from rulings on motions submitted by the defense at various sessions. His lawyer, Avraam Berman, supported the request.

Judge Zeynal Aghayev responded that the court had consistently provided the accused and his defense with opportunities to review requested documents and would continue to do so.

Subsequently, victims of crimes committed as a result of Armenia’s aggressive war and occupation policy, along with their legal heirs, gave testimony.

Sabir Latifov, testifying as the legal heir of victim Elmaddin Latifov, stated that his brother was killed due to a provocation by remnants of Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Shiraslan Hasanov, legal heir of victim Shamil Hasanov, said his son lost his life due to enemy fire in the direction of Aghdam district.

Asif Shukurov, recognized as the legal heir of victim Shamkhal Hamidov, testified that Shamkhal Hamidov was killed by enemy fire in the direction of Sirkhavand village, Aghdara district.

Movlam Rustamli, legal heir of victim Bahruz Rustamli, stated that his brother died from shrapnel wounds caused by enemy fire in the direction of Khojaly district.

Sevinj Gasimova, legal heir of victim Kamal Gasimov, said her son was killed by fire from remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the direction of Khankendi city.

Victim Parviz Hunbatov testified that he was injured due to the explosion of a mortar shell fired by the enemy in the Khanabad village area of Aghdam district. Responding to questions from state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, he noted that Sadiq Gahramanov was killed in the incident, while Ramin Osmanov and Agil Guliyev sustained various injuries.

Elmir Gasimov, responding to state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, testified that he sustained multiple shrapnel injuries to his right shoulder, left leg, head, and other parts of his body due to a mortar shell explosion fired by remnants of Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups in the direction of Shusha.

Mahammad Mahmudov stated he was injured in the back due to enemy fire in the Khojavend district area.

Victim Vali Balabayli testified that he was injured due to an artillery shell explosion near him in the direction of Janyatag village, Aghdara district. Responding to state prosecutor Nasir Bayramov, he said two others were also injured in the incident.

Mahammad Karimov testified that he was wounded in the throat by enemy sniper fire in the direction of Khojaly, where several others were killed. In response to senior assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev, he noted that the enemy was firing large-caliber weapons at their territories at the time.

Victim Namiq Atakishiyev, responding to assistant to the Prosecutor General for special tasks Tuqay Rahimli, said he was injured due to a shell explosion near him in the direction of Aghdam.

Oruj Mammadov testified that he was injured due to an artillery shell explosion near him in the Khojavend district area.

Amin Javadov stated he was injured when an artillery shell fired by the enemy exploded on the vehicle he was in, in the Janyatag village area of Aghdara district. Responding to state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, he said Tural Aghjabayov and Mirpasha Mehdizada were killed, and four others, besides himself, were injured.

Etibar Huseynli testified that he sustained injuries due to the explosion of an anti-personnel mine in a field in the Amirvarli village area of Jabrayil district.

Parviz Ganbarov said he, Rashad Aliyev, and Rahim Nasirov sustained various injuries due to a mortar shell explosion fired by the enemy in the Khalfali village area of Shusha district.

Markaz Sadiqov testified that an artillery shell fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups exploded 7–8 meters from him, causing multiple injuries.

Valeh Ibrahimov said he sustained shrapnel wounds to various parts of his body due to the explosion of a “Fagot” anti-tank guided missile fired by the enemy.

Araz Usubov testified that he sustained multiple shrapnel injuries to his legs and neck due to a shell explosion in the Khojavend district area.

Etibar Safarov said he was injured due to a mortar shell explosion fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the Kalbajar district area.

Orkhan Karamli testified that he was injured due to a mortar shell explosion near him in the Aghdara district area.

Vasif Yusupov said he was wounded due to artillery fire by the enemy in the Kalbajar district.

Etibar Bakhishov testified that he sustained shrapnel injuries due to a shell explosion fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the Aghdara district.

Bahruz Nazarov said he was injured due to a shell explosion fired by the enemy in the Zangilan district.

The court also announced the findings of forensic medical examinations conducted on the victims.

The next court session is scheduled for July 15.

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).