During the court session in the case of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who is accused under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offenses, a witness testified.
The witness, a resident of Karabakh, stated that Ruben Vardanyan arrived in Khankendi some time after the 44-day war. “I don’t know whether he came from Russia or somewhere else,” he noted.
The witness claimed that Vardanyan sponsored the formation of armed groups consisting of individuals up to the age of 45-50, provided them with financial support, and engaged them in military actions against Azerbaijan. “Many young people joined these formations. I was curious why a globally known businessman and oligarch like Ruben Vardanyan—I am not saying he is my enemy—abandoned his business and came to Karabakh,” he said.
He further mentioned that members of the group underwent military training and were paid between $700 and $2,000 for their participation.
The court then read out the witness’s initial testimony, which was given during the preliminary investigation by the State Security Service. The witness confirmed his previously given statements.
The trial will continue after a recess.
