Voices of Armenian Political Prisoners: Ruben Vardanyan's Plea for Justice and Peace

A Call for Justice by Ruben Vardanyan

Ruben Vardanyan, a prominent figure among Armenian political prisoners, addressed the global community during a recent weekly phone call from his detention center in Azerbaijan. Having been incarcerated since September 27, 2023, Vardanyan's situation exemplifies the plight of many in similar circumstances. Over 470 days of detention, with a remarkable 340 of them spent in solitary confinement, Vardanyan’s message seeks to highlight the urgency of addressing religious persecution and the need for a just resolution to human rights violations.

In his statement, Vardanyan conveyed his concern for those opposing religious persecution and called for genuine and lasting peace in the region. With a court hearing slated for January 17, 2025, Vardanyan is set to face an overwhelming 42 charges, some potentially resulting in life imprisonment. However, he claims he has not been allowed sufficient access to his legal documents, which were primarily written in Azerbaijani—a language he does not understand. This has raised severe concerns regarding the fairness and transparency of his trial.

Vardanyan expressed deep frustration over the legal process, stating that he had only a brief opportunity to review numerous case files, and the list of charges was only given to him in Russian shortly before the trial. Additionally, he outlined instances of legal coercion, documenting pressures placed on him, his lawyer, and even his interpreter to falsify testimonies and records.

"I officially declare I have given no testimony since the day of my arrest, except for providing my name," he stated emphatically. He declared all signed protocols as fabrications, emphasizing that none convey true accounts of his situation. Vardanyan maintained his innocence, along with that of fellow Armenian compatriots similarly imprisoned, asserting that their detentions are politically motivated.

To garner international support, he insisted on several conditions ahead of his upcoming trial:
1. Adequate Preparation Time: Vardanyan stressed the importance of allowing him and his legal counsel enough time to prepare a proper defense, including a thorough review of all materials in a comprehensible language.
2. Elimination of Falsifications: He called for the exclusion of fabricated documents from the proceedings, reinforcing that no reliable evidence against him exists since his arrest.
3. Public Trial: He demanded that the trial, as well as those of other Armenian political prisoners, be conducted openly, allowing representatives from international media and humanitarian organizations to attend and witness.
4. Consolidation of Cases: Highlighting that a large portion of his case overlaps with the broader allegations against others, he argued against the separation of his trial from related cases.

Vardanyan articulated a message of empathy, stating, "I bear no anger or hatred." Instead, he focused on the notion that peace is achievable through understanding and compassion. He eloquently posited that the first steps toward true peace include acknowledging the losses endured by all parties involved in the conflict—a sentiment echoing the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

Returning to the themes of nonviolence, truth, and love, Vardanyan's message concludes with a heartfelt recognition of the support he has received from the global community. He emphasizes his resilience, reiterating, "I stand strong and believe that the truth will prevail."

This statement from Ruben Vardanyan serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing human rights struggles faced by political prisoners and the critical need for global advocacy and intervention in these pressing matters. For additional information, one can access further details through Free Armenian Prisoners.