Lawyer Abraham Berman, defending former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan, has claimed that omissions in the trial transcript undermine the court’s impartiality.

On May 6, the politically charged trial of former State Minister of Artsakh Ruben Vardanyan continued at the Baku Military Court.

Presiding over the session was Judge Zeynal Aghayev, alongside Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov, with reserve Judge Gunel Samedova also present. According to Trend, Vardanyan was provided with a Russian-language interpreter and a defense attorney of his choice.

Berman stated that upon reviewing the February 6, 2025 hearing transcript, he identified grounds for appeal, specifically noting that the defense’s motions were not documented. This, he argued, casts serious doubt on the impartiality of the judicial panel. Vardanyan supported the objection.

Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev countered by asserting that while the defense may comment on transcript accuracy, missing entries do not constitute valid grounds for appeal. He also accused the defense of attempting to delay the proceedings through such motions.

Individuals labeled as "victims" in the case requested the court to dismiss the complaint. Following deliberations, the court ruled to reject the complaint, citing the defense’s failure to present specific evidence indicating bias on the part of the panel.

The so-called victims testified about injuries allegedly sustained during combat operations.

The next court session is scheduled for May 13.