On September 23, the Baku Military Court resumed hearings in the trial of Ruben Vardanyan, former State Minister of Artsakh, philanthropist, and businessman, accused in what observers call a politically motivated case.
During the session, the so-called “victims” recounted injuries they said they sustained during hostilities in Artsakh. Vardanyan, however, has never participated in combat operations.
The hearing was presided over by Judge Zeynal Agayev with the participation of Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, Azertag reported.
Agayev introduced the judicial panel, prosecutors, translators, and other participants, including, for the first time, the “victims” and their legal successors, explaining their rights and obligations.
The court heard testimonies from more than 40 people. The next session is scheduled for September 30.
In September 2023, following a nine-month blockade of Artsakh and the ethnic cleansing of its Armenian population, Azerbaijan captured former Artsakh presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan, as well as former State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, Foreign Minister David Babayan, and other ex-officials. The fabricated charges they face could result in life sentences. On January 17, a mass trial of Artsakh’s leaders began in Baku, with Vardanyan’s case separated for individual hearings.
