On November 18, a session was held in Baku in the case against prominent businessman and philanthropist, former State Minister of Artsakh, Ruben Vardanyan, widely seen as a judicial farce involving fabricated charges.
At a previous hearing, Ruben Vardanyan filed a motion to replace Islam Aghakerimov, who had acted as an interpreter during the preparatory session. The motion to disqualify Aghakerimov was rejected, according to APA.
Aghakerimov appeared at the current session and participated in proceedings. Vardanyan and his attorney, Emil Babishov, reiterated their request for his replacement. Aghakerimov stated that during the preparatory hearing, he had made “only one mechanical mistake, which did not significantly affect the substance of the decision.”
Previously, Aghakerimov had not been able to attend due to reportedly valid reasons, so his position had remained unclear. In this session, he confirmed that the error was purely technical and unintentional.
Bayramov noted that a translator’s disqualification can only be granted under specific legal grounds. Since the error did not constitute such a basis, he recommended denying the motion, which the court did.
The court then heard statements from so-called “victims,” none of whom had ever met or communicated with Vardanyan.
The next court session is scheduled for November 20.
On November 6, Ruben Vardanyan delivered a message via a phone call with his eldest son, David Vardanyan, stating that Artsakh “was, is, and will be,” and encouraged belief in national strength.
In September 2023, Ruben Vardanyan was arrested by Azerbaijani border forces, along with former Artsakh Defense Army commander Levon Mnatsakanyan, his deputy Davit Manukyan, former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, National Assembly Speaker Davit Ishkhanyan, and former presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan. Vardanyan’s case is being tried separately.
