Copyright trend
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 28. The trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and terrorism financing, continued on October 28. The hearing took place at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, and reserve judge Gunel Samadova. Vardanyan was provided with a translator in his native language, Russian. Judge Agayev noted that at the previous hearing, Vardanyan had submitted a request stating his dissatisfaction with the proceedings and had refused his defense lawyer. He also indicated that he did not have an agreement with another attorney and could be assigned a state-appointed lawyer. The court approved Vardanyan’s request to dismiss his lawyer, Avraam Berman, and the Azerbaijan Bar Association was instructed to appoint a defense attorney at the state’s expense. Emil Babishov, a Bar Association member, was assigned as Vardanyan’s new lawyer. Vardanyan did not object to his new attorney, and other participants in the trial confirmed they had no objections. Trend notes that the preliminary investigation into the case, which involves charges of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and terrorism financing, was conducted by the State Security Service of Azerbaijan. Will be updated
