The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen, who is charged with torture, mercenary activity, violation of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing terrorism and other articles of the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, has begun.

Axar.az reports that the preparatory session of the court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev, continues in the new administrative building of the Baku Military Court in the Baku Court Complex.

It should be noted that during the preparatory session that began on January 17, Ruben Vardanyan's questionnaire information was clarified.

Ruben Vardanyan was provided with a defense attorney of his choice and a Russian translator.

Although during the preliminary investigation, R. Vardanyan was given sufficient time to familiarize himself with the criminal case materials in a language he knew and prepare for his defense, the court, taking into account the defendant's request, decided to grant the motion and gave him an additional 10 days to familiarize himself with the case materials.

The prosecution also did not object to the defendant being given additional time to familiarize himself with the case materials.

The court's preparatory hearing was scheduled to continue on January 27.

It should be noted that Ruben Vardanyan is accused of committing acts under Articles 100 (planning and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation or forcible transfer of the population), 109 (persecution), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114 (mercenary), 115 (violation of the laws and customs of war), 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict), 214 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing terrorism) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

He is also accused of committing acts stipulated in Articles 218 (creation of a criminal association (organization)), 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation and carrying of weapons, their components, ammunition, explosives and devices), 270-1 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279 (creation of armed formations and groups not provided for by law), 318 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan) and other articles of the same code.

Today, an open court hearing will also continue on the criminal case on crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including waging an aggressive war, genocide, forced displacement of the population, persecution, torture, military robbery and other illegal acts committed against Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani people by the Armenian state and its armed forces, including the so-called "Nagorno-Garabagh Republic" established by Armenia in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, and its illegal armed formations.

Noted that 15 people accused of crimes committed by the Republic of Armenia and its armed forces, including the illegal "Nagorno-Garabagh Republic" established by Armenia and its illegal armed formations. The following individuals: Harutyunyan Arayik, Ghukasyan Arkady, Saakyan Bako, Ishkhanyan David, Manukyan David, Babayan David, Mnatsakanyan Levon, Beglaryan Vasily, Ghazaryan Eric, Allahverdiyan Davit, Stepanyan Gurgen, Balayan Levon, Babayan Madat, Martirosyan Garik, and Pashayan Melikset are charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan according to the periods of their participation in criminal acts: Article 100 (planning, preparation, unleashing or waging a war of aggression), 102 (attack on persons or institutions which enjoy international protection ), 103 (genocide), 105 (destruction of population), 106 (slavery), 107 (deportation or forced resettlement of population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible detention of a person), 112 (deprivation of liberty in violation of international law), 113 (torture), 114 (mercenarism), 115 (violation of the laws or customs of war), 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflicts), 118 (war looting), 120 (premeditated murder), 192 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218 (organization of a criminal community (criminal organization), 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation or carrying of firearms, their components, ammunition, explosives and explosive devices), 270-1 (acts endangering aviation security), 277 (encroachment on the life of a state or public figure), 278 (forcible seizure of power or forcible retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional order of the state), 279 (creation of armed formations or groups not provided for by law) and other articles.