Baku court rejects bias claims as Vardanyan trial enters new phase PHOTO

The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who is accused under articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious crimes, continued on June 24.

At the open court session held in the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, consisting of Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), the defendant was provided with a translator in the language he knew, i.e., Russian, as well as a lawyer of his own choosing for his defense, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

During the session, Vardanyan reiterated his objection to the impartiality and objectivity of the judicial panel. His defense attorney, Avraham Berman, supported this protest.

Senior Assistant Prosecutor Vusal Aliyev urged the court to dismiss the petition, citing a lack of substantive evidence supporting claims against the judges. Victims present also opposed the motion. After deliberation, the court ruled to reject the protest, with Judge Aghayev emphasizing the absence of concrete proof indicating bias or misconduct by the panel.

The hearing then proceeded with testimonies from victims and their legal successors. Elkhan Novruzaliyev testified that his son, Orkhan Novruzalizada, was killed in Kalbajar due to shelling by Armenian forces and irregular armed groups. Malahat Hasanova stated her son, Elshad Hasanov, died in Lachin under similar circumstances.

Shaban Bilalov recounted the death of his brother, Sarkhan Bilalov, in the Aghdara area. Victim Emin Gushchiyev described injuries sustained in Kalbajar from Armenian shelling. Tural Ismayilzada detailed how a nearby artillery explosion caused shrapnel wounds to his right arm and killed Mahammad Garayev.

Kanan Gasimov testified that a drone-delivered shell in the Khojavand district wounded him and others while killing Murad Akhundov and Arzulla Hasanli. Poladakhan Babayev spoke of injuries from mortar shelling in Khalfali village, noting that Alizamin Badirov was also wounded.

Elnur Kalantarov reported multiple shrapnel injuries from artillery and mortar attacks in the Aghdam district. Farid Mahammadov described injuries caused by a mine explosion attributed to Armenian armed remnants, which also wounded others during evacuation.

Additional victims provided testimony, followed by the presentation of forensic medical examination findings.

The next court hearing is scheduled for July 1.

By Vafa Guliyeva