The Witness in Vardanyan’s Trial: Unintended Destruction in Karabakh
The review hearing of the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who is accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious crimes under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued on March 11 at the Baku Military Court.
In a session presided over by judges Zeynal Aghayev, with Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov as judges and Gunel Samedova as the reserve judge, the accused was provided with an interpreter in Russian and a lawyer for his defense. The victims participating in the trial were also briefed on their rights and obligations.
During the hearing, the accused expressed objections to the panel of judges, citing previous petitions not being granted. However, the prosecution argued that the objections were not based on legal grounds and requested the court to leave them unconsidered. The victims supported the prosecution’s position, leading the presiding judge to reject the objections.
Witnesses testified about Ruben Vardanyan’s involvement in mining operations, financing armed groups, and promoting hostility towards Azerbaijan. They highlighted his role in creating military warehouses and recruiting mercenaries.
Victims shared their experiences, including injuries from mines brought from Armenia and buried in Azerbaijan’s sovereign territories. They called for the harshest punishment for the accused.
The next court session is scheduled for March 18, where the prosecution will continue questioning Vardanyan about the criminal acts he is charged with, including planning aggressive wars, deportation, persecution, and terrorism.
Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, such as mercenarism, violation of international humanitarian law, terrorism, illegal possession of weapons, and illegal border crossing.
The court process is ongoing at the Baku Court Complex, and additional evidence and testimonies will be presented as the case progresses.
