Baku court rejects Ruben Vardanyan's motion as trial over war crimes continues PHOTO

The Baku Military Court has rejected a procedural motion filed by the legal team of Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian national facing trial on charges including crimes against peace and humanity, terrorism, and financing terrorism under Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code.

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.

At the hearing, defense counsel Avraam Berman filed a motion requesting a forensic linguistic examination, citing alleged discrepancies in the Russian-language translation of the indictment. Vardanyan endorsed the request.

However, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, Vusal Aliyev, argued that the nature of the supposed inconsistencies did not fall within the purview of expert analysis and urged the court to dismiss the motion. This view was echoed by several victims present at the trial, who also called on the court to reject the request.

Following deliberation, the panel dismissed the motion. Judge Aghayev explained that forensic examinations must be based on clearly defined circumstances relevant to the criminal case. The defense, he noted, failed to specify such circumstances in its request.

Berman responded by submitting a protest against the composition of the judicial panel. Judge Aghayev dismissed the protest, noting that similar objections had been filed previously with no new grounds presented.

The court then proceeded to hear testimonies from victims and the legal successors of those who lost their lives.

Alisahib Isgandarov, the legal successor of victim Hamid Hamidli, testified that his son was killed as a result of shelling conducted by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed formations.

Shukran Amanov, the legal successor of victim Shamistan Yusifli, stated that his son was killed by enemy shelling in the Aghdara direction.

Amrah Abbasov, the legal successor of victim Mehdi Abbasov, reported that his son lost his life due to shelling carried out by the opposing side.

Victim Anar Asgarov testified that he was injured by the explosion of a booby-trap mine in Aghdam. Responding to questions from Assistant Prosecutor General Tugay Rahimli, Asgarov added that it was later confirmed the mine had been manufactured in Armenia.

Ali Mikanaev stated that he sustained injuries as a result of enemy shelling in the Hadrut direction. He noted that eight other individuals were also wounded during the same incident.

Victim Elman Suleymanov testified that he was wounded due to shelling in the village of Khalfali, located in Shusha district.

Rahman Guliyev reported suffering a traumatic brain injury as a result of a mortar shell explosion fired by the opposing side in the direction of Khojavand.

Mehman Guliyev stated that he was wounded by a sniper shot in the city of Shusha.

Additional victim testimonies were also heard during the session.

The next court hearing is scheduled to take place on August 19.

By Vafa Guliyeva