#Baku #Azerbaijan #Ruben Vardanyan #Political Prisoner #Azerbaijan Prison

A Heartfelt Plea from Ruben Vardanyan

Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian political prisoner, recently made a powerful statement addressed to the global community regarding his unjust imprisonment in Azerbaijan. Since his arrest on September 27, 2023, he has endured over 470 days of confinement, with 340 of those spent in isolation and an additional 23 days in disciplinary custody. In a recent phone call, Vardanyan expressed his desire to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his detainment, emphasizing the need for international awareness and support against religious persecution.

With a significant trial looming on January 17, 2025, Vardanyan faces 42 charges, some of which carry potential life sentences. Disturbingly, he has reported a troubling lack of due process in his case, having been denied adequate opportunity to review the formal accusations leveled against him. Vardanyan and his legal representative were only permitted to skim through 422 volumes of the case, all in Azerbaijani—a language he does not understand—within a sharply limited time frame.

At the heart of his statement is a pressing call for fairness. Vardanyan has asserted that he was coerced into signing documents that do not reflect the truth of his situation—an appalling breach of legal standards.

“Every document bearing my signature is falsified,” stated Vardanyan. “These documents do not exist in reality, and my attorney was compelled to sign under duress.”

As he continues to assert his innocence, he also calls for the immediate cessation of what he characterizes as politically motivated prosecutorial actions against himself and other Armenian compatriots facing similar fates. His personal declaration insists upon several demands:

1. A fair chance to prepare a solid defense: Vardanyan insists that he and his legal counsel be afforded ample time and access to the necessary documentation—preferably in a comprehensible language—to prepare an adequate legal response.

2. Elimination of procedural errors: He presses for invalidation of all falsified documents and wrongful interrogation records. Vardanyan insists he has not provided any testimony since his arrest, except for identifying himself during the initial questioning.

3. An open and public trial: Vardanyan emphasizes that his trial and that of the other political prisoners must be as transparent as possible, advocating for presence of journalists and humanitarian observers.

4. Consolidation of his case with others: He argues that over 400 of the 422 volumes in his file are interconnected with broader issues, and separating his charges for a separate trial is unwarranted and illogical.

In his address, Vardanyan refrains from expressing anger or hatred despite his harrowing experience; instead, he articulates sympathy for those violating moral principles. He passionately believes that genuine peace will only come when leaders from conflicting nations unite to honor the memories of the war’s casualties.

Concluding his statement, Ruben Vardanyan echoes the timeless wisdom of Mahatma Gandhi, emphasizing that the path to salvation involves living by principles of non-violence, love, and truth. He remains confident in the power of compassion across ethnic and religious divides as the key to achieving true peace.

“Thank you for your support! I remain strong and believe that truth will prevail,” Vardanyan concluded.

For further updates on Vardanyan’s case and the plight of Armenian political prisoners, visit Free Armenian Prisoners or contact their support team to lend your voice against injustice.