Baku court dismisses Vardanyan’s objection as trial unfolds with new witness accounts PHOTO

The criminal trial of Armenian national Ruben Vardanyan resumed today at the Baku Military Court, where he faces a range of serious charges, including crimes against peace and humanity, terrorism, and financing terrorism, under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan.

The open court hearing was held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov also presiding (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). The defendant was provided with a translator so he could speak in his preferred language, Russian, as well as a lawyer of his own choosing for his defence, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

During the proceedings, defense counsel Avraam Berman filed a motion requesting the recusal of the entire judicial panel. Vardanyan voiced his support for the motion. Judge Aghayev, however, dismissed the motion without deliberation, stating that the defense had raised similar objections previously and failed once again to introduce any new or compelling grounds.

Following this decision, Berman requested a confidential meeting with his client. The court granted the request, and a recess was declared.

After the break, the court heard testimonies from victims and the legal successors of victims affected by the events connected to the charges against Vardanyan.

Ilgar Hasanov, legal successor of Amin Hasanov, stated that his son was killed in Aghdara due to shelling carried out by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal formations. Narbala Babashov, legal successor of Ujal Babashov, reported that his son died during enemy shelling in Khojavand. Afgan Nasibov, son of Huseyn Nasibov, testified that his father was killed in an Armenian provocation near Shusha-Khankandi. Natig Guliyev, representing Najmaddin Guliyev, reported a similar fatality caused by Armenian shelling in Aghdara. Hamdulla Huseynov, the legal successor of Ramazan Huseynzada, stated that his son was killed in Khojaly due to direct enemy fire.

Other victims also gave testimony regarding injuries sustained during the conflict. Ramil Guliyev reported being wounded by a mortar explosion in Kalbajar, noting that two others nearby were killed. Elnur Hasanov said he was injured by a landmine while tending sheep in the village of Hasangaya in Tartar district. Barzani Atayev recounted being injured during the evacuation of wounded individuals in Aghdara. Rashad Ganbarov was wounded by shelling in Khojavand, during which Murad Arzullayev and Javid Aliyev were killed. Rahim Gardashov testified that he was wounded while traveling by car through Aghdara, with additional passengers also injured as a result of Armenian shelling.

The court also reviewed the findings of forensic phonoscopic and explosive ordnance examinations, which form part of the evidentiary record in the case.

The next session of the trial is scheduled to take place on August 26.

By Vafa Guliyeva