Landmine victims testify at trial of Ruben Vardanyan in Azerbaijan

Victims of landmine explosions testified on Tuesday at the trial of Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who is facing multiple charges including war crimes, terrorism, and crimes against humanity under Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code.

One victim, Hasanali Aliyev, told the court that he lost part of his leg after stepping on a landmine while grazing livestock near his home on February 4, 2024. “The lower part of my left leg was amputated,” he said.

Most of the victims testifying were mine survivors who appeared in court using crutches or canes.

Vardanyan is accused of a wide range of offenses, including planning an aggressive war, forced displacement, torture, terrorism, and financing terrorism. He is also charged with organizing illegal armed groups and unlawfully crossing Azerbaijan’s state border.

The trial is ongoing at a Baku court.

N.Tebrizli