Entire Armenian people convicted in person of Ruben Vardanyan - family
We present the Vardanyan family's statement in full, without any abbreviations or changes. "Today we learned that Ruben Vardanyan-beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather-has been sentenced to 20 years in prison. The verdict, handed down by a military court in Azerbaijan, was horrific, but expected. Since Ruben's unfounded detention 874 days ago, it has become clear that the outcome of this trial is predetermined. Throughout his detention, no evidence has been presented for any of the charges brought against him.
Throughout this time, Ruben has been deprived of any guarantees of due process, access to genuine, not merely formal, legal representation, access to international lawyers, and the ability for independent media to attend the hearings.
The hearings were held behind closed doors and under conditions incompatible with fair trial standards, not only under international law, but even under Azerbaijani law.
Despite attempts to destroy Ruben's reputation as a humanitarian, philanthropist, and Social entrepreneurs, civil society leaders, and international observers have provided our family with support that has given us strength and hope.
Everyone who knows Ruben personally or has interacted with him professionally understands the absurdity and inconsistency of the charges against him. This wasn't just Ruben and the Armenian prisoners who were tried; the entire Armenian nation was sentenced.
We will continue to seek the release of Ruben and the Armenian prisoners held on politically motivated grounds, and we call on world leaders, international organizations, and human rights groups to take all appropriate measures, in accordance with international law, to ensure their freedom and protect their rights.
Today, it was announced that a puppet Baku court sentenced Vardanyan to 20 years in prison.
As a reminder, Vardanyan and seven other former and current Artsakh officials have been held in Azerbaijani captivity since late September 2023, in violation of all international law. The international community ignores the fact that Artsakh officials are in Azerbaijani captivity.
It is worth noting that the exact number of Armenian prisoners of war and hostages held in Azerbaijani prisons remains unknown. Experts estimate the number to be several hundred. Today, Azerbaijani authorities confirm the presence of 19 Armenians in their custody. Those held captive by Azerbaijan include former Artsakh presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan; former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan; as well as parliament speaker Davit Ishkhanyan; former commander of the Artsakh Defense Army, General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David Manukyan; and former state minister Ruben Vardanyan.
In early February, a Baku puppet court sentenced Arayik Harutyunyan, Davit Babayan, Davit Ishkhanyan, Davit Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan to life imprisonment on trumped-up charges, while Bako Sahakyan and Arkady Ghukasyan were sentenced to 20 years in prison. The so-called court sentenced the remaining Artsakh residents to up to 15 years in prison.