The former head of the Nagorno-Karabakh government, businessman Ruben Vardanyan, who is unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan on the eve of his trial, addressed the international community and people «who care about what is happening in our region and who want long-term and real peace». The address was conveyed through relatives and published on the businessman's social media.
"I, Ruben Vardanyan, have been in the detention center of the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan for more than 470 days since September 27, 2023, 340 of which in solitary confinement and 23 days in a punishment cell. I want to make an official statement before the start of the trial. If you are reading these words, it means I have exhausted all other ways to convey the truth to you about what is happening here.
A court hearing on my case is scheduled for January 17 at 15:00. I was told that I am facing 42 charges, some of which carry a penalty of up to life imprisonment. But so far, I have not been given the opportunity to familiarize myself with the official indictment. My lawyer and I were only allowed to browse through 422 volumes of the criminal case in Azerbaijani, which I do not understand, within a rather short period from December 9, 2024, to January 8, 2025. I received the list of charges in Russian only on January 8, 2025.
At the same time, pressure was exerted on me, my lawyer, and translator to force us to sign documents retroactively, including falsified protocols of non-existent interrogations.
I officially declare: I have not given any testimony since the first day of my arrest, except for the first interrogation when I only stated my name and surname. I emphasize again: all protocols with my signature are falsifications. These documents do not exist in reality. My lawyer and translator were forced to sign these documents.
I again declare my complete innocence and the innocence of my compatriots and demand an immediate end to this politicized case against us.
If the accusers insist on conducting a trial against us, then I demand and ask you to support my demands:
1. Allow me and my lawyer to fully prepare for the defense. In particular, provide us with time and the opportunity to carefully review the case materials in Russian.
2. Eliminate all violations and falsifications. In particular, destroy the falsified protocols of non-existent interrogations, as I have not given any testimony since the first day of my arrest.
3. Make the trial against me and all other defendants public. I insist on the most open process with the participation of international journalists and representatives of humanitarian organizations. I am convinced that only a real court, not a show trial, will help take a step forward on the difficult path of building new relationships between our peoples.
4. Combine my case with the cases of other defendants. More than 400 volumes of my case out of 422 are episodes of a general case. Separating my case into a separate proceeding is an artificial and unjustified decision.
I do not feel anger or hatred. On the contrary, I sincerely sympathize with all those who violate laws, moral principles, and the commandments of the Quran.
I am convinced that real peace will only be possible when the leaders of the countries involved in the conflict, with the approval of the majority in their societies, can together lay flowers on the graves of all those who fell in this war.
I promise to do everything possible to make this happen in my lifetime. As the great Mahatma Gandhi said, the only way to save the world from self-destruction is to live by the principles of non-violence, truth, and love. Through compassion for all people, regardless of their skin color, nationality, or religion, we can achieve true peace.
Thank you all for your support! I love everyone and thank many for their kind attitude towards me. Know that I am holding on and believe that truth will prevail».
Interview NT with Ruben Vardanyan on the centenary of the Armenian genocide.
Photo Aleksey Chalabyan