On September 30, the trial of prominent businessman, philanthropist, and former State Minister of Artsakh Ruben Vardanyan continued in Baku, where he faces fabricated criminal charges.
The session at the Baku Military Court was presided over by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, alongside Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, with support judge Gunel Samedova. Vardanyan was provided a Russian-language interpreter, as per his language preference, according to Azertag.
Judge Aghayev also stated that Islam Aghakerimov, the interpreter who had participated in earlier pre-trial sessions, had notified the court via telegram that he could not attend due to health issues and requested this be taken into account.
Previously, Vardanyan had asked the court to reappoint Aghakerimov as his interpreter. The court had accordingly sent a notice and invited him to participate.
Vardanyan’s lawyer, Abraham Berman, petitioned the court to provide access to full session transcripts. He noted that only partial judicial decisions had been shared and requested the remaining documents.
Judge Aghayev said the defense would be allowed to review the transcripts and requested clarification on which specific decisions they wanted copies of.
Subsequently, individuals presented as "victims" and their legal successors were questioned. They described injuries and battle-related circumstances allegedly sustained in Artsakh, despite Vardanyan’s known non-participation in any military operations.
The next court hearing is scheduled for October 7.
