During the trial of Artsakh’s former state minister Ruben Vardanyan, held at the Baku military court, so-called victims claimed that they recognized Vardanyan only from media and social networks.

They stated that they had sustained various degrees of bodily injuries from gunfire and grenade explosions while serving in the Karvachar and Khojaly regions.

The alleged victims demanded the harshest punishment for Ruben Vardanyan, as reported by Minval.az .

After their testimonies, they answered prosecutors’ questions regarding their service locations, the specific areas where military actions took place, and the severity of their injuries.

The next court hearing is scheduled for April 1.

Artsakh’s former state minister Ruben Vardanyan, who is currently held in a Baku prison on fabricated charges, emphasized in an earlier audio message sent through his family that he has always acted in accordance with his moral convictions and has never betrayed his principles, even in the most difficult moments. He went on a 23-day hunger strike in protest against the ongoing judicial farce.

"I was fully aware of what I was facing and was prepared for even harsher conditions. I am not a victim, and I do not need pity—this was a conscious decision," he said.