Ruben Vardanyan’s Defiance in Baku Courtroom
In a dramatic turn at the Baku military court, Ruben Vardanyan, former State Minister of Artsakh, refused to answer questions from Judge Zeynal Agayev, marking a clear act of defiance against what he and his defense team assert are fabricated charges. This protest unfolded during the latest hearing in Vardanyan’s ongoing trial in Azerbaijan, where he has been unlawfully detained.
Protest Against Fabricated Charges
Vardanyan’s refusal to engage with the judge’s inquiries is a direct response to the spurious nature of the accusations against him, according to his legal representation. This act of protest underscores the defense’s position that the trial is politically motivated and lacks legitimate legal basis.
Defense Requests Meeting and Judge Recusal
Prior to Vardanyan’s protest, his lawyer, Avraham Berman, requested the court to provide conditions for a meeting with his client. This request was granted, leading to a recess. Following the recess, Vardanyan’s defense team filed a motion for recusal of the judge panel, citing concerns about impartiality. State prosecutors Vusal Aliyev and Fuad Musayev, arguing for the prosecution, countered that a similar motion had been previously discussed and rejected, and that no new concrete grounds for recusal had been presented. The prosecution urged the court to dismiss the defense’s motion, which was ultimately denied.
Extensive Charges Leveled by Baku Prosecution
The court session proceeded with the Baku prosecution continuing to read the indictment against Ruben Vardanyan. The prosecution asserted that Armenia, through Vardanyan and others, armed Nagorno-Karabakh and “illegal armed formations” within “the sovereign territories of Azerbaijan.” A vast array of charges under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan were then presented, including: planning, preparing, starting, and waging an aggressive war (articles 100.1, 100.2); displacement and forced relocation of the population (article 107); persecution (article 109); enforced disappearance of persons (article 110); illegal imprisonment (article 112); torture (article 113); mercenary activity (article 114.1); violation of the laws or customs of war (article 115.2); violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict (articles 116.0.1, 116.0.1, 1.6.1, 1.6.1, 1.6 6, 116.0.18); intentional murder (articles 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12); attempted intentional murder (articles 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.2.2.2.2. 29.120.2.12); illegal entrepreneurship (article 192.3.1); terrorism (articles 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4); financing of terrorism (article 214-1); creation of a criminal organization (articles 218.1, 218.2); illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation and carrying of firearms (article 228.3); actions endangering aviation security (articles 270-1.2, 270-1.4); violent seizure or retention of power (article 278.1); creation of illegal armed formations (articles 279.1, 279.2, 279.3); and illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan (article 318.2).
Vardanyan Refuses to Plead
Following the extensive reading of the charges, Judge Agayev explained each accusation to Ruben Vardanyan, outlining the legal descriptions of the alleged acts and the penalties prescribed by Azerbaijani criminal law. In accordance with legal procedure, the judge then asked Vardanyan if he pleaded guilty to the charges. In a resolute act of protest against the accusations he deems fabricated, Ruben Vardanyan declined to answer.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The next court hearing in the case of Ruben Vardanyan has been scheduled for February 25th, indicating the trial proceedings will continue despite the defense’s strong objections and Vardanyan’s act of protest.
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