Ruben Vardanyan's trial ends in Baku with motions denied

PanARMENIAN.Net - The trial of prominent businessman, philanthropist, and former State Minister of Artsakh Ruben Vardanyan has concluded in Baku. During the December 16 session, both sides agreed to move to the final phase of the proceedings, including closing arguments.

Vardanyan’s lawyer Emil Babishov submitted two motions, both of which were denied, according to Minval.az .

One of the motions requested the involvement of a representative from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as a witness. Babishov argued that such testimony was necessary because ICRC representatives had visited Vardanyan multiple times in detention, provided him with food and clothing, and facilitated communication with his family. Vardanyan confirmed his support for the motion.

However, the prosecution claimed that such testimony would not clarify the defendant's legal status and lacked evidentiary value. The court agreed and rejected the motion, stating it was unrelated to the case.

The second motion involved calling the investigator as a witness to clarify video and written materials concerning Vardanyan’s office and residence. The court rejected this as well, stating that the investigator could not testify as a witness.

The next hearing is scheduled for December 18.

Baku accuses Vardanyan of planning, preparing, and waging war against Azerbaijan, financing terrorism, and other serious crimes. However, he has never participated in combat nor was he present in Artsakh during the war.