Author: admin

«Today is March 12th, twenty-three days into my hunger strike. I am in good shape. Don’t worry, everything is fine. I understand what I am doing, why, and I am very grateful to everyone for their support and… concerns.

I want to address everyone and ask all of you — no matter how you feel about me — to listen to my message. I hope it will be short and clear. I am deliberately not mentioning any names — I do not want to attract attention to individuals.

I had several goals when I did this, when I declared my hunger strike: to show that there is no trial, but a farce; to show that it is not me who is being judged, but all Armenians and the state itself; and to show the price that had to be paid by all those who, in their hearts, would have been happy to stay and live here (in Artsakh), and not leave.

I want to remind you again of the Russian fairy tale about the choice between the loss of the horse — the Homeland, losing honor — the sword, and losing life, which stands at a crossroads. The hero is obliged to make a choice, because if he stays where he is, it will be certain death. And this choice is very difficult, but nevertheless it must be made by everyone, including those who once lived in Artsakh, when all that happened now, and before that, over the last thirty years, and before that, for millennia, happened.

Сегодняшнее заседание суда – яркий пример того, что было бы, если бы арцахцы остались дома, и какую бы цену вам пришлось за это заплатить. Вчера на процессе два армянина-арцахца, живущие в Степанакерте, дали показания против меня в том числе, утверждая разные, очень некорректные вещи. И при этом они в жизни меня не видели, при этом они сами находились в очень ужасном состоянии, но тем не менее они выступали в суде, и мне их было очень жалко.

Today’s court session is a vivid example of what would have happened if the people of Artsakh had stayed home, and what price you would have had to pay for it. Yesterday, during the trial, two Armenians from Artsakh, living in Stepanakert, testified against me, claiming various very incorrect things. And yet, they had never seen me in their lives, and they were in a very terrible state themselves, but nevertheless they appeared in court, and I felt very sorry for them.

Man pays for everything, and the example of the Armenian who was previously arrested in a Red Cross vehicle and sentenced to fifteen years, and the example of these two people, is an important visual warning to all of you that you would not have been allowed to live peacefully in your homes as it was. And anyone at any moment could have been in the place of yesterday’s two witnesses or accused of all the terrible crimes, and it would have had nothing to do with whether you were guilty or not, whether you committed these crimes or not.

I would like to say separately that I find it important that today, the former president is testifying here, while the legitimate president of Artsakh is in Armenia, and this, believe me, greatly changes the situation and the weight of the words being spoken here by the former president.

I am shocked by the depth of hatred that the current leadership of Armenia has for the Artsakh people, and I am glad that I prevented them from implementing their plan, which they pushed in every possible way and helped some Artsakh leaders, both current and former, to implement the scenario written by the other side, and wanted it to be realized so that they could have the right to say: “You see, your sons died because of them. And you accuse us of something else, but they sold out and will easily live a happy life now, while you will spend your life here bearing the grief of losing your loved ones”.

I want to address all the moral cripples who wanted this and took corresponding steps both in Armenia and in Artsakh, and those who now speak out about why they didn’t fight to the end but left, so that… they lost. And you failed to destroy the dignity and honor of ordinary Armenians. And not only Artsakh Armenians, but all Armenians.

For your information: during the period when the last military operation took place, the officially recognized number of casualties on the other side was four times higher than their losses during the same period in the 44-Day War. Eternal memory to all those who died for their Homeland.

I decided on the twenty-third day to suspend my hunger strike for many reasons, and I ask all those who have joined me to do so as well. I believe that the last court session helped to show you all very vividly and clearly what would have happened to you if you had stayed here, and what price you would have had to pay to live in your home, on your land. The second thing is to show that it is not a trial, but a farce, and another refusal of my legal rights to consider my petitions and my demands shows that there will be no trial here, that this show continues regardless of what is legal and illegal.

The statement made by the official representative of the authorities a few days ago showed everyone the obvious goal that it is not fifteen people plus one who are on trial, but the trial of the leadership of Armenia and Armenia as a whole as a state, of any Armenian — no matter where he is from, even if he is not from Armenia.

One last important thing. Whoever scares you with another military war is misleading you again. There are many other ways to lose the right to own your state in today’s world. It is not necessary to conquer it militarily again. The war is ongoing, but now it is possible to conquer without a single shot, using technology, finances, economic dependence, infrastructure, information control, and political warfare. If you continue to live in illusions… If you continue to live in illusions that everything will eventually end and you will be able to earn a living in peace and be happy… Hear me: this is self-deception.

After losing Artsakh, we will also lose Armenia in the coming years, if we do not radically change our attitude towards the concepts of elite, power, state, and who should lead us. Hear me and think about it before it is too late! And remember: always, as in the Armenian fairy tale, Kach Nazars (Nazar the Brave and those alike) were chosen as kings by the people, and it is our decision, not his. I am convinced that there are healthy forces in our nation and that we will overcome this difficult crisis, as we have done many times in our very long history, and we will not just live, but live with dignity in our Motherland. Remember that only the living can swim against the current.

I embrace all of you! Together with all of you, your one of your ordinary Armenians,

Ruben

The Head of the Armenian Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland, Bishop Hovakim Manukyan, along with other religious leaders, appealed to Prime Minister Kier Starmer to call on Baku to immediately release former leaders of Artsakh, who faced violation of all the basic principles of a fair trial.

“Azerbaijan’s continued crackdown on transparency and humanitarian relief has recently seen both the suspension of BBC operations in the country, silencing independent journalism, and the expulsion of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the only organization providing humanitarian aid and the only lifeline to detainees. The detainees are thus completely isolated and grave concerns about their treatment and well-being mount. Signs of their deteriorating health are increasingly evident. Perhaps the most high-profile detainee, former Artsakh State Minister Mr Ruben Vardanyan has for the past two weeks been on a hunger strike in protest”, the letter says.

Signatories called on the British government to unite with other European partners to address this urgent issue through intergovernmental platforms.

In an open letter published by Christian Newswire, leaders of religious organizations and Christian activists of the United States appealed to President Donald Trump to rescue Armenian political prisoners held by Baku. Among them is Ruben Vardanyan, who has been on hunger strike for three weeks, as a result of which his state of health is assessed as extremely critical.

“We believe you are the only one who can save these Christian hostages,” – signatories note. They also emphasize the need to act quickly to save lives of Christians.

The letter was signed by:

Dr. Alveda King, Chair, Center for the American Dream;

Hon. Michele Bachmann, Dean, Robertson School of Government;

Sohrab Ahmari, US Editor, UnHerd;

Rod Dreher, Journalist and Author;

Troy Miller, President & CEO, National Religious Broadcasters;

Ambassador Sam Brownback, Co-Chair, IRF Summit;

Sean Feucht, Missionary, Musician, Activist, Author, and Speaker;

William Wolfe, Executive Director, Center for Baptist Leadership;

Bob Vander Plaats, President and CEO, The FAMiLY Leader;

Dede Laugesen, Executive Director, Save the Persecuted Christians;

Suzanne Bock Grishman, Executive Director, Mercury One, Inc. & The Nazarene Fund;

Ambassador Alberto Fernandez, Vice President, Middle East Media Research Institute;

Dr. Jim Garlow, CEO, Well Versed;

Rev. Rosemary Schindler Garlow, CEO, Schindler’s Ark;

Dr. David Curry, USCIRF Commissioner;

Nadine Maenza, President, IRF Secretariat;

Denise Bubeck, Board Member, Save Armenia;

Dr. Paul Murray, International VP, Global Peace Foundation.

Protesters at the Brandenburg Gate whose action was initiated by the Free Armenian Hostages movement, demanded that the EU leadership urgently counteract human rights violations in Azerbaijan.

Jonathan Spangenberg, President of the Central Council of Armenians of Germany, spoke at the rally. “Those arrested, including Ruben Vardanyan, live in inhumane conditions, there are reports of torture and ill-treatment. Vardanyan is currently on hunger strike and his life is in great danger. We cannot keep silent”, – he said.

Protesters noted that Baku’s actions violate international law, including the UN Convention on the Prevention of the Crime of Genocide and the European Convention on Human Rights.

The rally members called on the European Union, Germany and France to impose sanctions against Azerbaijani officials who are guilty of illegal arrests and torture, conduct independent monitoring of prison conditions and demand that Baku urgently release all Armenian political prisoners.

“The world should not turn a blind eye to the crimes of Azerbaijan. The time for words is over. Now we need action”, – said Sarah Reinke, Head of the Human Rights Department of the Society for the Protection of Vulnerable Peoples.

The united representatives of all Armenian churches worldwide have issued an urgent appeal to Christians around the world, calling for the immediate and unconditional release of the Armenian prisoners of war and civilians held in Azerbaijan. The call for the immediate release of all Armenian prisoners of war and detained civilians reflects a deep commitment to Christian values and human dignity, underscoring the urgent need for peace and reconciliation. It highlights the importance of ending violence and inhumane treatment, promoting respect for the inherent dignity of all people, regardless of nationality. The path to lasting peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan can only be realized when humanitarian concerns — such as the return of all prisoners of war and other detained civilians — are addressed. Below is their letter, signed by one hundred clergy members:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We, the united representatives of all Armenian Churches around the world stand together in the most urgent and heartfelt plea for the immediate and unconditional release of all Armenian prisoners of war and detained civilians currently held in Azerbaijan.

This is not just a call for the release of innocent lives; it is a cry for justice, dignity, and the restoration of humanity. These individuals, taken in the course of conflict, have been subjected to unimaginable suffering, and their continued detention is a violation of every principle of human decency and Christian compassion. In the name of our shared faith, we can no longer remain silent. The time for action is now.

The inhumane treatment of these prisoners goes against the very essence of our faith. The violence, the suffering, the torment they endure must end. The world cannot stand by while innocent people are held captive, deprived of their dignity and their basic human rights. The gravity of this situation is of the utmost importance, as the health of Ruben Vardanyan, former Artsakh State Minister, is rapidly deteriorating. Ruben is currently on an ongoing hunger strike in protest of the theatrical “court” proceedings by Azerbaijani authorities. Every single day increasingly critical and accountable.

We cannot and will not accept a future where such inhumanity is allowed to persist. All peoples of the region—whether Armenian, Azerbaijani, or any other deserve peace. Peace built on the foundation of justice. Peace where the dignity of every person is safeguarded, where the chains of suffering are broken, and where every soul is allowed to live in freedom.

We, the Armenian Churches across the world, demand the immediate return of all prisoners of war and detained civilians to their families. This is not merely a humanitarian necessity – it is a moral imperative. The release of Armenian prisoners can be the beginning of a new chapter, one where healing replaces hatred, where understanding overcomes division, and where peace is not just a dream, but a reality.

We urge governments, international organizations and all people of good will to condemn this show trial as political and illegitimate, and to pressure the authorities involved to return these innocent lives to their rightful homes. Do not turn away from the suffering of others. Stand with us. Stand for justice. Stand for peace.

May the light of truth, compassion, and justice guide all of us toward a world where no one is left in chains, where every human life is valued, and where peace is more than just a word – it is a living, breathing reality for all.

In unwavering solidarity and faith,

List of signatories is available here.

Syeda Ghulam Fatima, the finalist of the 2016 Aurora Humanitarian Prize, intends to support Ruben in Azerbaijan.

Syeda Ghulam Fatima is a human rights activist from Pakistan. She became a finalist for the Aurora Humanitarian Award in 2016. In the Free Armenian Prisoners community on the X social network, the activist announced her decision to go to Baku to attend Ruben hearings.

“It’s easy to condemn injustice from afar, but real change requires action. That’s why I decided to go to Baku to attend the trial. Please join me and show solidarity in any way you can”, – commented Syeda Ghulam Fatima.

Dear compatriots!

Today is March 5th. I want to say a few words to you as Ruben Vardanyan, just as I am: as an Armenian, who speaks and thinks in Russian. As a man of the world, who is happily married, loves everyone, who has dedicated himself to self-education, and who lives with faith in God.

First of all, I want to thank all of you for supporting me through your prayers, thoughts, letters, and simply for not being indifferent to what is happening here. I feel all these thoughts and wishes and they give me great strength and energy. Thoughts are most certainly material. I am in good shape, I feel strong, my health is fine, and I am in complete peace with myself, with my spirit as strong as ever. I want to apologize to my beloved wife, to my family, and to all those dear to me, whom I have caused so much pain and worry with my decision. But each of us has our own unique path, and I have chosen this path for myself. Our fate is predestined by God, but we are the ones who choose the road we take. Even when we refuse to make a choice, then inevitably someone else will make it for us.

I want to apologize to my beloved wife, to my family, and to all those dear to me, whom I have caused so much pain and worry with my decision. But each of us has our own unique path, and I have chosen this path for myself. Our fate is predestined by God, but we are the ones who choose the road we take. Even when we refuse to make a choice, then inevitably someone else will make it for us.

I want to emphasize once again that my decision has nothing to do with my personal well-being or my conditions in the detention center, just as it was last time when I went on a hunger strike for 20 days until midnight on April 24. This is a protest – against the very nature of the process itself, against the way this process is unfolding.

I knew what I was getting into, and I was prepared – and am still prepared – for even worse conditions. I am not a victim, and I do not want to be pitied, because all this was a conscious decision.

My demands remain the same. If there is such a desire to judge me – judge me professionally, publicly, openly, in accordance with Azerbaijani laws and all legal procedures, along with everyone else. In the presence of international journalists and observers – after all, you are so sure of your righteousness. Stop artificially separating my case. Why have you singled me out, when all my charges are based on the claim that I have supposedly been part of an organized criminal group since 1987?

Do not violate your own laws and procedures. Do not falsify documents, do not manipulate evidence and protocols. You have everything – my phone and other personal belongings, my documents, they are all fully available to you. Don’t mock the judicial system with this show trial, farce and imitation game. If you are going to judge – then judge fairly.

I want to tell all my compatriots, my beloved ones: it is not just me and 15 others that are being put on trial – it is all Armenians around the world. And if you do not understand this, it is a great tragedy, because this is not the end of the story, not the end of the conflict – only another stage, unfortunately, for all sides.

I am being accused of everything that has happened since 1987. No problem – I am ready to take the heaviest punishment for whatever if only it would bring peace and stability. But it is an illusion to think that after this process is over, you will all be left alone, that you will be able to go about your lives and enjoy simple pleasures without thinking about these problems. The challenges still lie ahead for all of us.

I knew what I was doing when I moved to Artsakh. Every person in life makes decisions for themselves, and in the end they will stand before God alone and answer for their thoughts, their words, and their actions. I know this to be true. Even when someone sacrifices themselves for their homeland, for their family, or for certain principles – it is only their decision and their responsibility to bear. And in that sense, I was fully aware of my choices.

I do not know if I will have another opportunity to speak with you, and so I want to ask for forgiveness from everyone whom I may have ever hurt – through words, actions, or carelessness.Please forgive me! I have never done anything out of malice, envy, pride, or revenge. I never wished to cause anyone pain.

I want to say something separately about one person who is, unfortunately, before whom I feel the greatest sorrow and pain. Dear Alvard, (note: the wife of Davit Manukyan, with whom Ruben left Artsakh in a car) if I had not been in your car, if we had not been together with your husband, Alvard, he would be with you now. Please forgive me. For me, this is the heaviest punishment – that because of me, another person is suffering alongside us.

I also want to apologize separately to all the children who have lost their homeland – that I did not do everything I could, everything I should have, to prevent this. I did as much as I felt I had the moral right to do because I was with you. But I was with you alone, without my family. And yet, I am glad that I was able to prevent certain things that, in my opinion, could have broken us as a nation completely. I managed to stop that and change the course of history a little.

I was happy to be with you, the people of Artsakh, during this difficult time – to always feel your love, warmth, gratitude, and trust. I am proud of you – real, down to earth and my dear people, and I love you all sincerely.

I am a very happy person. God has given me a wonderful family and friends. I was able to bring to life countless projects with unique partners. I have seen so much of the world. But some of the best days of my life were those when, despite all hardships – the blockade, the uncertainty of the future, the difficult conditions – when we rebuilt Akobavank monastery together, broke bread together, and danced our dances.

I am happy that, together with many friends and partners, we were able to carry out dozens of projects in Artsakh. I especially want to thank my Muslim friend (I will not name him, so as not to cause him trouble) for the opportunity to restore the mosque in Shushi together.

Remember: evil must never be answered with evil – for then it only grows and strengthens. And after Sumgait comes Khojaly, and this cycle goes on endlessly. This path was never acceptable to me, because it has no future – it is a dead-end with, unfortunately, no good way out.

I also want to thank many Azerbaijanis whom I have encountered here for staying true to basic human values, even though they see me as an enemy and have their own grievances and mistrust. Despite what they may feel, a lot of them have shown their humanity towards me. And as for those who did not – I genuinely feel sorry for them and forgive them, just as I forgive the Armenians who behave the same way toward me and my family in Armenia.

I am an optimist, and I believe that despite everything, we will overcome all the challenges and difficulties before us. We will once again live in our homeland, in peace with our neighbor, respecting one another and overcome the mutual hate and resentment that has built up over the years – just as some other nations have managed to do.

But if we truly want this, we need a real, stable, long-term peace – not just on a piece of paper, but a peace that is sustainable and is adhered to by all people on a daily basis. We must understand that no one owes us anything. Lasting agreements can only be reached by those who are strong, with a country that has an honorable and dignified elite. True elites are not defined by wealth, connections, power, or even intellect – but by the understanding that those who have been given more in life are held to a higher standard. True elites place their duty to society and responsibility for the future of the nation above all personal interests and desires.

And finally, in memory of all those who have fallen and suffered in this terrible conflict – I deeply believe that some things are more important than the life of a single person. These are faith in goodness, in light, in love, in values, in sacred things – the spiritual foundations that distinguish humans from machines. Without them, the world will once again sink into chaos or perish in a flood or other disasters. One must not become a slave to the golden calf… All of this has already happened in human history. Let us not allow it to happen again and do everything in our power to prevent it, because faith in values is the foundation of our future.

That is why, for the sake of preserving these fundamental values, I am ready to go to the very end, in peace with myself, absolutely happy. Because happiness begins and ends within you, when you are at peace with yourself. You can be happy in a luxurious palace, and you can be happy in the worst prison cell – if you are at peace with yourself.

I am glad that I can serve my people and the principles that I consider to be of greater importance not only for our nation but for all of humanity.

And finally, I want to say that one must never… I realized here that one must never give in to despair or indifference, and I understood why it is the most terrible of the seven sins. I used to think it was pride or envy. But despair means that the divine spark within you has gone out, that you have stopped believing in anything, that you have simply raised your hands and given up.

Never – I urge you… I would like us to never lose faith in everything and never give in to despair. Please! This is the foundation of our future, and that is why I love you all and deeply appreciate the chance that I have been given. I will do everything I can and will continue to do so.

I love you all. I am sure that everything will be alright. I have always been, am, and will be with you. I am a person who wants to live, who wants to love, and who wants to continue his work. But I believe that what I am doing is the right thing, because it is the only way to awaken you from the indifference in which you find yourselves.

[speaks Armenian again] Everything will be alright! ! 

I love you, respect you, and I am certain that despite all the difficulties ahead, we will persevere.I stand with you as Ruben Vardanyan, son of Karlen, grandson of Hamayak Vardanyan, carrying my entire heritage – the legacy of my parents and my Artsakh grandmother.

I am grateful to you for giving me the joy of being Armenian and loving my homeland.

The session was focused on procedural motions filed by the defense. Highlights of the hearing:

– To provide a translation of the decision on bringing charges.;

– To allow access to the video materials of the case;

– To provide a notice of rights and obligations;

– To allow access to the court hearing protocols.

Of these, the court granted the first and fourth motions.

The judge stated that document review would take place on March 5. However, after the hearing, a court officer informed the defense that it has been postponed until March 8.

Following the discussion of motions, the prosecution continued questioning regarding the charges. The defense refrained from answering.

Ruben was also visited by the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan, to whom he voiced all his concerns.

The next hearing is scheduled for March 11, 2025.

The defender of the interests of Armenian prisoners in the ECHR, lawyer Siranush Sahakyan explained why one cannot trust the words of the Azerbaijani Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva, who visited Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian political prisoners yesterday. The prisoners allegedly told her that they were satisfied with the conditions of detention, although recent photos of Ruben Vardanyan clearly show the opposite.

“No video material was published this time, probably to avoid showing the condition of Ruben Vardanyan after a 15-day hunger strike. Vardanyan’s case is special, his health is already clearly in danger. Despite this, even in this position he refuses to testify”, said Siranush Sahakyan.

In her opinion, the most important thing now is to convince Ruben Vardanyan to stop his hunger strike. Moreover, Sahakyan believes that it is necessary to do everything possible to apply urgent international humanitarian instruments.

More information: https://news.am/rus/news/870009.html

Despite the lack of diplomatic relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan, what can Armenia do to help secure the release of the Armenian Christian political prisoners and POWs in Azerbaijan? Many people have asked how Armenia can help secure the release of these Armenian Christians detained in Azerbaijan given there are no diplomatic relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In fact, there is much more that can be done by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan:

Public Statements and Public Diplomacy.
Prime Minister Pashinyan can build off the statements of the Foreign Minister and Foreign Ministry and issue a public statement that says that the release of the political prisoners and POWs by Azerbaijan is a top priority, that their detentions are politically-motivated, and they must be immediately and unconditionally released. And the Prime Minister could hold a press conference to discuss all these issues, publish an op-ed in a major paper, and speak out as major developments warrant.

Assist the Families.
Both the Prime Minister and Foreign Minister could request to meet with the families of the political prisoners and POWs to show their solidarity with them. They could also ask the International Committee of the Red Cross and Organisation for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE) to send trial monitors to the trials of Ruben Vardanyan and the others. They could also ask all their allies with embassies in Baku to send trial monitors as well. They could even ask Azerbaijan, despite the lack of diplomatic relations, to send Armenian Government observers to the trials.

Engage with Azerbaijan.
Prime Minister Pashinyan could send a private envoy to Baku to seek to open a humanitarian channel to negotiate the release of the political prisoners and POWs. In addition, he could work with a like-minded government, such as Switzerland, to set up an Armenian Interests Section at their Embassy in Baku to represent Armenia’s interests in Azerbaijan. Even if the issue of political prisoners and POWs will not be part of a peace agreement, the Prime Minister could make clear privately that their release must occur before or contemporaneous with the finalization of the deal.

Request Support of United States, France, and the European Union.
Prime Minister Pashinyan could ask President Trump and Secretary Rubio for their help, President Macron for his help, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas for her help in freeing the political prisoners and POWs.

Continue and Expand Legal Cases.
The Government can continue to pursue its legal cases before the International Court of Justice and European Court of Human Rights. It could also request the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to open a preliminary examination into the forced displacement into Armenia of the 120,000 Armenian Christian residents of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Engage Global Religious Community.
The Government can appeal for help to address the clear persecution of the Armenian Christian community in line with President Trump’s call for action – http://bit.ly/3FdHYre – both for the 120,000 that were summarily expelled from Nagorno-Karabakh and the current Armenian political prisoners being held in Baku as a result of their ethnicity and religion.

Engage Multilaterally.
– Prime Minister Pashinyan could appoint a special envoy to free persecuted Christians worldwide with a focus on working to secure the release of the political prisoners and POWs. He could join with 80 countries in the world and sign on to the Canadian-led Declaration Against Arbitrary Detention in State-to-State Relations.
– Prime Minister Pashinyan could ask UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk for help in securing the release of the prisoners and POWs on humanitarian grounds.

Hundreds of Armenians gathered for the protest in front of the Yerevan office of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The protesters called on the ICRC to urgently intervene in the situation of Ruben Vardanyan, who has been on hunger strike for two weeks.

“His condition is already critical, which means that every second counts, and thus we are trying to ask the Red Cross to immediately visit Ruben Vardanyan and try to prevent a possible catastrophe”, Artsakh Culture Minister Narine Aghbalian said during the protest.

The representative of the Armenian office of the organization Zara Amatuni said that Ruben Vardanyan was visited when he was already on hunger strike.

“During the visit, one of the ICRC staff was a foreign doctor, and there was an opportunity for a neutral examination. However, the information we recorded is confidential and is provided only to the Azerbaijani, local authorities responsible for the conditions of detention”, Amatuni said.

The participants of the protest handed over a letter addressed to the Director of the ICRC with an appeal to organize a medical examination of Armenian prisoners in Baku. They demanded:

– to impartially assess the condition of Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian prisoners and ensure that they receive the necessary assistance;

– to take measures to end Ruben Vardanyan’s hunger strike and at the same time examine the reasons that pushed him to such an extreme step;

– to report on the conditions and treatment of Armenian prisoners.

The letter was signed by representatives of about 40 NGOs.

On March 1, Mane Tandilyan, co-founder of the “Country for Life” party, started a hunger strike in support of Ruben Vardanyan. On Sunday, two more people joined her.

More information: https://t.me/CompromatSNG/13235

The Charity Foundation “Doctors and Volunteers of Armenia. VIVA” expressed extreme concern over the critical deterioration of Ruben Vardanyan’s health after a week-long hunger strike.

“As professionals guided by the principles of medical ethics and the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, we must declare that the current situation poses a direct threat to Ruben Vardanyan’s life and requires immediate intervention by international humanitarian and medical organizations,” the foundation said in a statement.

VIVA added that, in accordance with international standards, the defendant should be transferred to a hospital, where he will be looked after by qualified doctors.

Learn more: https://arka.am/news/politics/fond-viva-zayavil-ob-ugroze-zhizni-rubena-vardanyana-v-azerbaydzhane-i-trebuet-vmeshatelstva-mezhdun/

Ruben Vardanyan’s son David called for a fight against Azerbaijani “justice”

“If the Armenian prisoners, including my father, are not released, no Armenian will be safe,” David said.

He added that if justice is not demanded today, the next generations and the existence of the entire Armenian nation will be in danger.

Details: https://t.me/Armenian_Assembly/4852

26 февраля 2025 года

Несмотря на резкое ухудшение состояния Варданяна через неделю после начала голодовки, Азербайджан заставляет его посещать судебный процесс

Заявление Джареда Генсера, международного адвоката Рубена Варданяна

«Неделю назад Рубен Варданян объявил голодовку в знак протеста против политического показательного процесса в отношении него и других армян – политзаключенных в Азербайджане. Процесс по делу Варданяна начался 17 января, примерно через 500 дней, которые он провел в заключении. Ему грозит пожизненное лишение свободы по политически мотивированным обвинениям. Кроме того, Рубен столкнулся с вопиющими нарушениями его прав.

Вчера над Варданяном продолжился суд, несмотря на ухудшение его состояния и просьбу об отсрочке. Рубен держит голодовку уже неделю, что сильно ударило по его здоровью. На данный момент он потерял 6 кг своего веса, у него зашкаливает пульс и держится высокое артериальное давление.
Варданян испытывает сильное головокружение и находится в предобморочном состоянии.

Несмотря на серьезные медицинские проблемы, Рубен всё же предстал перед судебной коллегией Бакинского военного суда. Учитывая его состояние, адвокат защиты подал ходатайство об отсрочке слушаний, и судебная коллегия разрешила сделать перерыв, чтобы Рубена осмотрел государственный врач.

Судебная коллегия отклонила ходатайство об отсрочке слушаний, заявив, что Варданян должен присутствовать на заседаниях при учете, что во время них он имеет возможность быть в сидячем положении.

Принуждение Рубена к участию в этом разбирательстве при наличии серьезных угроз его здоровью представляет собой пренебрежение международным правом, а также жестокое, бесчеловечное и унижающее достоинство обращение с подсудимыми.

Я призываю международные правозащитные организации, у которых есть доступ к заключенным в Азербайджане, в срочном порядке посетить Рубена Варданяна. Кроме того, я прошу независимых наблюдателей присутствовать на судебном процессе в Баку, чтобы зафиксировать любые нарушения прав.
 
Я прошу правительство Азербайджана допустить врача из нашей международной команды к Рубену в СИЗО для оказания необходимой медицинской помощи, включая регулярный мониторинг состояния, в котором он нуждается во время голодовки, и отложить судебный процесс до ее окончания.

Я также призываю мировых лидеров и премьер-министра Армении Никола Пашиняна, осудить незаконный судебный процесс против Рубена и других армянских политзаключенных».

Джаред Генсер

Lilit Galstyan, an opposition member of the Armenian National Assembly, member of the Armenian delegation to the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, has proposed to send a special mission to the hearings on the cases of Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian prisoners in Baku. She stated this at the winter session of the organization.

Although Baku insists on the transparency of the process, representatives of international organizations and media are not allowed into the courtroom, the MP stressed. She also noted that Ruben, who has no military background, is being tried by a military court. At the same time, the defendant and his lawyer were not given full access to the prosecution materials.

“Taking all of this into account, I propose to send a mission to Baku to ensure compliance with international legal standards and transparency of the process, to demonstrate the commitment of the international community to the principle of human rights protection,” Galstyan said.

Details: https://am.sputniknews.ru/20250221/armyanskiy-deputat-predlozhila-obse-napravit-missiyu-na-sud-nad-plennymi-v-baku-86006940.html

February 19, 2025

“Yesterday, I have decided to protest by declaring a hunger strike against the judicial farce being carried out against me. This is my response to the blatant violations of Azerbaijani procedural law and international law. What is happening in the courtroom cannot be called a trial – this is a political show, in which my right to a fair hearing is being deliberately disregarded.

For the past month, my local lawyer – Avraam Berman and I have tried to make it clear to the court that it is critical for me that this so-called “trial” be objective rather than a staged performance. Sadly, it has been clear from the beginning that this case is all about persecuting me as an Armenian simply for exercising my rights to freedom of opinion and expression and political participation under international law, which have been aimed at protecting the rights of the Armenian-Christian population of Artsakh.

Despite Azerbaijan being a State Party to the European Convention on Human Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, this process has also been replete with egregious due process abuses:

1. I am being tried in an illegal military tribunal and not a civilian court.
2. I have not been granted full access to the indictment and so called “evidence” against me – 422 volumes in Azerbaijani, for which I was given only 21 working days to review, which have been classified as “state secrets.”
3. The “indictment” presented to me is not an official document, as it lacks the signatures of my accusers. Even the translation of this so-called document contains gross errors, making it impossible for me to understand the charges against me.
4. I have been denied my right to defense – my local lawyer, Avraam Berman, has had his access to materials restricted, his documents confiscated, and he has been subjected to psychological pressure. Further, my international legal team has been barred from communicating or visiting me and has not had access to any of the case materials.
5. I have not been allowed to summon defense witnesses or file complaints regarding the violations committed during the investigation and trial.
6. All of the hearings have been secret and closed to the public. Foreign journalists and independent international representatives have been barred from the courtroom.

This so-called ‘trial’ is not just against me. It is an attempt to criminalize all Armenians – all those who supported and demonstrated compassion toward Artsakh and its people, all those who showed compassion. This is an attack on an entire nation.

I refuse to participate in this farce.

I appeal to world leaders, international organizations, human rights defenders, and members of the press:

This process demands your attention. The imitation of justice is an endorsement of lawlessness and injustice. Silence in the face of such violations paves the way for future tragedies, fueling hostility and a new wave of hatred. Only through truth, law, and humanity can peace and justice be ensured in the region.”

Ruben Vardanyan

During the hearing Ruben Vardanyan officially refused the services of the lawyer imposed by the Azerbaijani authorities, referring to the illegality of his appointment. The court accepted Ruben Vardanyan’s refusal and granted the motion.

Ruben Vardanyan’s local lawyer addressed the court with two questions. First, he drew attention to the fact that the new translation of the preliminary hearing decision again revealed serious inconsistencies. The document addressed only the motion requesting a postponement, but in fact there were several motions.

Second, the lawyer pointed out that he had not yet received access to the transcripts of the trial and demanded that an officially certified version be provided.

The court refused to consider these issues until the indictment was fully read.

More information: https://freevardanyan.com/ru/hronologiya/

At the fourth hearing, the judge proceeded to read a multivolume document, much of it describing events unrelated to the philanthropist.

Ruben Vardanyan and his lawyer filed two motions. The court granted one of them: Vardanyan and his lawyer were allowed to confer in private.

Ruben Vardanyan also filed a motion to disqualify the judicial board. He pointed out that the panel ignored procedural violations at the investigation stage, showed disrespect for international law and made serious mistakes in translating the materials of the case.

Ruben Vardanyan’s lawyer backed up his words with references to legal norms and confirmed the procedural violations he had encountered during the investigation. However, the court did not consider the motion to disqualify the judicial board during the hearing.

More information: https://freevardanyan.com/ru/hronologiya/

The prosecutor began reading charges dating back to 1988. They obviously had nothing to do with Ruben Vardanian: at that time he was 19 years old and a full-time student at the Economics Department of Lomonosov Moscow State University.

Ruben Vardanyan and his lawyer filed several motions, but all of them were rejected by the court.

So far, less than 5% of the thousands of pages of the indictment and evidence have been orally translated for Ruben Vardanyan, and his local lawyer has studied only 20% of the materials.

In addition, Ruben Vardanyan’s lawyer filed a motion to disqualify the court-appointed interpreter after serious inconsistencies were revealed: for example, the translated decision on the results of the preliminary hearing contained references to the legislation of Belarus, which has no relevance to the case.

The next hearings in the case of Ruben Vardanyan will be held on February 10 and 13.

More information: https://freevardanyan.com/ru/hronologiya/