Testimonies of victims and legal heirs heard in Ruben Vardanyan trial

On August 12, the trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under numerous articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan — including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and other serious offenses — continued at the Baku Military Court.

According to Report, the open hearing, presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that the accused was provided with an interpreter in Russian, his native language, as well as a defense attorney of his own choice.

Before testimony began, Judge Aghayev explained the rights and obligations of the victims and their legal heirs attending the hearing for the first time.

Defense attorney Avraam Berman petitioned for a forensic linguistic examination, citing alleged inconsistencies in the Russian translation of the indictment. Vardanyan supported the motion. However, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev opposed it, arguing the cited issues did not warrant expert examination. Victims present also asked the court to reject the motion. After deliberation, the court denied the request, stating that the defense had failed to identify specific circumstances that could be established only through expert analysis.

Berman then challenged the panel of judges, but Aghayev refused to consider the objection, noting it was repetitive and lacked new grounds.

The court then heard testimonies from victims and their legal heirs.

Victim Hamid Hamidli’s father, Alisahib Isgandarov, stated that his son was killed by gunfire from remnants of the Armenian army and illegal armed groups.

Victim Shamistan Yusifli’s father, Shukran Amanov, testified that his son died under enemy fire in the Aghdara direction.

Victim Mehdi Abbasov’s father, Amrah Abbasov, said his son was also killed by enemy fire.

Victim Anar Asgarov recounted being wounded in Aghdam when a “surprise mine” exploded, later confirmed to have been manufactured in Armenia.

Ruhid Hajizada said he was injured in Khojavand when a mine laid by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal armed groups exploded.

Jeyhun Gurbanov testified that he was injured in the village of Shikhlar, Aghdam District, after stepping on a mine planted by the enemy, resulting in ongoing neurological issues.

Ali Mikanayev reported being wounded by enemy fire in Hadrut, noting that eight others were injured in the same incident.

Elman Suleymanov said he was wounded by enemy fire in the village of Khalfali, Shusha District.

Rahman Guliyev testified that he suffered a traumatic brain injury when an enemy mortar shell exploded nearby in the Khojavand direction.

Elmin Aliyev said he was injured by enemy fire in Aghdara.

Abdulali Gurbanov said he was wounded when an enemy shell exploded in Aghdara, while Kamran Jabrayilov testified that he was injured when a mortar shell landed nearby and detonated.

Mehman Guliyev reported being wounded by sniper fire in Shusha.

Other victims, including Sabuhi Novruzlu, Zamin Jahangirzada, Jeyhun Abbasov, Nijat Goyushov, and Eshgin Babazada, testified to being injured in Aghdara; Huseynali Mehdiyev in Khojaly; Nurlan Mammadov in Aghdam; and Niyamaddin Allahverdiyev in Fuzuli. Allahverdiyev stated that his treatment is still ongoing.

Nemat Mammadov said he was injured in Sarijali village, Aghdam District, when a mine planted by the enemy exploded.

The next court hearing is scheduled for August 19.