Landmine victims testifying at Ruben Vardanyan's trial

On April 22, a court hearing under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan is being held regarding Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who is accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing terrorism and other serious crimes, Report informs.

Victims are testifying at the court hearing. One of them, Hasanali Aliyev, stated in his testimony that on February 4, 2024, he stepped on a landmine planted by Armenians, while grazing animals in his yard.

"As a result, the lower third of my left leg was amputated," he emphasized.

The court hearing continues with the questioning of the victims. Most of them are mine victims who have had parts of their legs amputated.

The majority of victims testifying came to court with crutches and canes.

Ruben Vardanyan has been charged with committing crimes under several articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, including:

• Article 100 – Planning, preparation, initiation, or conduct of an aggressive war
• Article 107 – Deportation or forced displacement of the population
• Article 109 – Persecution
• Article 112 – Unlawful deprivation of liberty in violation of international law
• Article 113 – Use of torture
• Article 114 – Mercenarism
• Article 115 – Violation of the laws and customs of war
• Article 116 – Violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflicts
• Article 214 – Terrorism
• Article 214-1 – Financing of terrorism

Additionally, Vardanyan is accused of offenses under:

• Article 218 – Organization of a criminal association (criminal organization)
• Article 228 – Illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, or possession of weapons, ammunition, explosive substances, and explosive devices
• Article 270-1 – Acts threatening aviation security
• Article 278 – Violent seizure or retention of power, violent change of the constitutional order of the state
• Article 279 – Creation of armed formations or groups not provided for by law
• Article 318 – Illegal crossing of Azerbaijan’s state border

Vardanyan also faces additional charges under other articles of the Azerbaijani Criminal Code.