As previously reported, a preliminary hearing was held today in the case of former “state minister” of the Karabakh separatists, Ruben Vardanyan, who is accused under articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan of torture, mercenarism, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other crimes.
The hearing took place in the new administrative building of the Baku Military Court within the Baku Judicial Complex. Vardanyan’s personal details were verified during the session. The defendant has been provided with a lawyer of his choice and a Russian-language interpreter.
Presiding Judge Zeynal Agayev, after explaining to Ruben Vardanyan the legal requirements, including the rights and obligations of the accused as well as the right to appeal, asked Vardanyan if he had any motions to file. Vardanyan and his lawyer, who is providing legal assistance under a contractual arrangement, submitted two motions.
One motion requested the consolidation of Vardanyan’s case with that of 15 individuals of Armenian nationality accused of committing grave crimes against the Azerbaijani people. The other requested additional time for the defendant to review the materials of the criminal case.
The prosecutor objected to the motion for consolidating the criminal cases into one proceeding and asked the court to reject it but supported the motion for granting additional time to review the case materials.
As the Criminal Procedure Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan does not provide for the consolidation of criminal cases into one proceeding during a trial, the court rejected the motion.
Although Vardanyan had been given ample time during the preliminary investigation to review the case materials in a language he understands and to prepare his defense, the court, considering the defendant’s request, decided to grant the motion and allowed an additional 10 days for reviewing the case materials. The preliminary court hearing will resume on January 27.
