The Azerbaijan State News Agency

Testimonies heard in Ruben Vardanyan's court hearing VIDEO

Baku, October 14, AZERTAC

The court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued on October 14.

The open court session, held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with a panel consisting of Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that the accused was provided with an interpreter in his native language, Russian, as well as defense lawyers of his choice.

Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the court panel, the prosecutors representing the state, the interpreters, and others to the victims and their legal heirs attending the trial for the first time, while also explaining their rights and obligations as stipulated by law.

The legal heir of victim Khayal Janbakhishov, his father Kheyrulla Janbakhishov, stated that his son was killed in Aghdara due to the explosion of a mortar shell fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Responding to questions from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, victim Elshad Sheydayev reported sustaining injuries to his arm and leg in Kalbajar as a result of enemy provocations.

Victim Kamiz Ibayev recounted being taken captive in Kalbajar after getting lost in fog, by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups. Answering questions from Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for Defense of State Prosecution at the Prosecutor General’s Office, Ibayev stated that he was blindfolded and taken to an unknown location, subjected to various forms of torture, mistreatment, and beatings during his captivity. In response to questions from Ruben Vardanyan’s lawyer, Avraam Berman, Ibayev clarified that he was held by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups and did not see Vardanyan during his captivity.

Answering questions from the Prosecutor General’s senior assistant Vusal Aliyev, victim Taleh Rzayev reported being wounded in Aghdara due to the explosion of a mortar shell fired by the enemy.

Responding to questions from the Prosecutor General’s special assignments assistant Tugay Rahimli, victim Zaur Alakbarov stated he was injured in Khojavend due to the explosion of an artillery shell fired by the enemy, noting that several others were also injured in the incident.

Victim Gismatpasha Abbaszade, answering questions from state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, reported sustaining injuries in Aghdam as a result of enemy fire, adding that another person was also wounded during the incident.

Victim Telman Adigozalov, responding to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, stated he was injured in Khojavend due to artillery fire from the enemy.

Victim Elvin Mammadov reported receiving severe injuries in Aghdam due to fire opened by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups, stating he was in a coma for 23 days and is currently classified as a second-degree disabled person.

Rovshan Hajibalayev reported sustaining injuries in the Sirkhavand village of Aghdara district due to the explosion of an artillery shell fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Teymur Jafarov stated he was wounded in Lachin due to enemy fire, noting that one person was killed and several others injured in the incident.

Agil Guliyev reported being wounded in Aghdam as a result of enemy fire.

Khaqani Guliyev stated in his testimony that he sustained a bullet wound in Aghdam due to enemy fire.

Dayanat Mardani reported being wounded in Aghdam due to enemy provocations.

Victim Sarkhan Rahimov stated that while heading to evacuate wounded individuals in a medical service vehicle in Aghdam, he was injured due to fire opened by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups. He noted that despite the medical vehicle being clearly marked, it was targeted, resulting in injuries to himself and others, while the wounded individuals they were meant to evacuate died due to lack of timely medical assistance.

Anar Seyidov, Turkan Jafarov, and Parviz Adigozalov reported sustaining various injuries in different locations due to fire opened by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Victim Maharram Karimli stated in his testimony that he was wounded in the arm in the Aghdam-Aghdara direction due to sniper fire from the enemy. Responding to a question from Ruben Vardanyan, Karimli said he recognized Vardanyan through social media.

Subsequently, the forensic medical examination reports regarding the victims were presented.

The next court session is scheduled for October 21.

Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).

Testimonies heard in Ruben Vardanyan's court hearing VIDEO

Share news on social media

Follow us on social network

Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan to sign trilateral defense agreement

Bad news for rice lovers: Climate change is cutting rice harvests

Top stories update

Azeri Light sells for $93.37

At least 7 dead in Thai school shooting

Oil prices rise on global markets

Protesters march in Buenos Aires against Argentina's private property bill

Azerbaijani FM meets with Ukrainian President

Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid agree new six-year deal

Jeyhun Bayramov informed Ukrainian President on post-conflict realities in the South Caucasus

Top stories update

Munich car-ramming attacker sentenced to life in prison

UK clears Paramount’s stalled $110B Warner Bros. Discovery takeover

Real Madrid sign Diomande from RB Leipzig

Number of Azerbaijani nationals working for bp disclosed

Azerbaijan, US explore global economy trends

Lebanon, Israel begin final day of 7th round of negotiations in Rome

Azerbaijan, FIDE explore enhancing cooperation

Trabzonspor sign Salah on blockbuster 2-year deal

Butterflies are rapidly changing where they live as climate changes

bp spent about $0.9 million on various social and sponsorship projects in Azerbaijan in first half of 2026

BEU graduate awarded prestigious Chevening scholarship

Processing of data acquired during survey for Garabagh field currently underway

24 wells drilled for Shahdeniz 2 project to date, bp says

Trump tells donors, ‘We need to elect JD,’ in 2028 presidential election: Report

Shah Deniz field produces around 14 billion standard cubic meters of gas and 2 million tons of condensate in first half of 2026

AFFA official appointed UEFA delegate for Europa League qualifier

During first half, SCP`s daily average export throughput was 63.7 million cubic metres of gas per day

Turkish media representatives visit Aghdam Industrial Park

® Order your Birbank Star card today and enjoy commission-free cash withdrawals                    

bp: Further evaluation of the Shafag-Asiman block is required

BTC pipeline transported more than in 4.7 billion barrels of oil to world markets since its commissioning

Azerbaijan's digital governance model receives two international awards in UK

Sangachal terminal exported around 97 million barrels of oil and condensate in six months

Construction activities for Shafag project expected to continue through mid-2027.

Three Tottenham exits close as Atletico Madrid into pole position to sign Romero after hijack

Azerbaijan received 2 billion cubic meters of associated gas from ACG in first half of year

Most-detailed-ever image of sun reveals roiling waves for first time

ACG completed drilling of seven oil producer and two gas injector wells in first six months

Installation of Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable on seabed of Caspian Sea completed

FM Bayramov: We also would be happy to provide gas also to friendly Ukraine, in case of necessity

Hormuz disruption pushes LNG shipping costs to highest levels since 2022: Report

First 2026 issue of English-language IRS-Heritage magazine published

Microbiome-based therapy may increase peanut allergy tolerance in adults

Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli produced 59 million barrels during first half of 2026

Pakistan prioritizes stronger relations with Russia, Armenia, Azerbaijan — envoy

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister visits Ukrainian city of Irpin

Ukrainian FM: We are deeply saddened by the death of Azerbaijani citizens in the Black Sea

Andrii Sybiha: From an energy security perspective, Azerbaijan holds strategic importance for the entire European continent

Verdict announced in appellate court on appeals of Armenian citizens

Another shipment from Russia dispatched to Armenia via Azerbaijan

UNEC scholar’s analytical article on Garabagh published by leading Korean think tank

Ashigbayramli Lake – a new tourism gem of Ismayilli district VIDEO

Ashigbayramli Lake – a new tourism gem of Ismayilli district VIDEO

Top stories update

Court of Appeal continues hearings on appeals filed by Armenian citizens

Azerbaijani, Ukrainian FMs discuss bilateral relations and regional situation

Organizing Committee for 2027 FIFA U-15 and U-20 Men's World Cups convenes for meeting

Gold and silver prices surge on global markets

Trump says he prefers deal with Iran but warns military action remains an option

Azerbaijani FM embarks on official visit to Ukraine VIDEO

Azerbaijani FM embarks on official visit to Ukraine VIDEO

Oil prices decline in global markets

Azeri Light sells for $91.04

Head of State Tax Service: There is currently no indication of activity reverting to the shadow economy

Our key priority is to promote voluntary tax compliance, Service chief says

Share of fiscal revenues in GDP increased by 5–6 percent over past 7 years, Azerbaijan’s tax chief says

Portuguese legend Luis Figo calls on FIFA chief Infantino to resign

Turkish Parliament receives bill outlining legal framework under 'Terror-Free Türkiye' process

New UK PM Burnham takes to social media to challenge populist parties' dominance

Top stories update

Gold rises 3% toward $4,200 as Hormuz deal hopes ease inflation concerns

Strengthening El Niño to push 49 million more people into acute hunger

Azerbaijan issues special postage stamp marking 165th anniversary of national photography

Euronews highlights Azerbaijan’s national cuisine in a special report

Head of Russian drone manufacturer injured in explosion

Pope Leo set to visit Uruguay, Argentina, Peru in November

® Demand for Kapital Bank's bonds was nearly three times offering size

Baku hosts event on Jammu and Kashmir issue

'Brutal' harvest could be worst on record - here's what it means for UK's food production

Kuryk Port boosts capacity after bridge upgrade

Renowned Kazakh filmmaker Ardak Amirkulov passes away

BEU and China's leading university's jointly established faculty of engineering admits its first students

Azerbaijani judokas aim for ‘medal rush’ at Guayaquil World Championships Cadets Individuals 2026

Two Azerbaijani boxers to compete in international tournament in Kazakhstan

Azerbaijani taekwondo fighters shine with twenty-two medals at Batumi Open 2026

Syrian foreign minister to visit Türkiye on Thursday

France reinforces Spanish border controls after Ceuta migration crisis: Interior minister

27 more families relocated to Khojavend receive keys to new homes

Xinhua: Azerbaijani drivers praise Chinese-made electric buses

Baku to host 2nd International Conference of Leading National Analytical Centers of Organization of Turkic States

Pakistan to host Azerbaijan cultural presentation to promote bilateral ties

Türkiye’s Trabzonspor announce start of transfer talks for Egyptian star Salah

Open letter to New York University professor regarding Ruben Vardanyan's crimes

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan discuss development of Middle Corridor

Top stories update

Azerbaijan higlights country’s initiatives to promote interfaith dialogue at international conference in Cairo

Nearly 20 new military infrastructure facilities commissioned to Air Defense Units

Piece of SpaceX rocket will crash into the moon Wednesday

Africans bear the brunt of biodiversity loss

Gold and silver prices surge on global markets

Oil prices decline in global markets