Azerbaijan's Security Service Announces Charges Against Ruben Vardanian

Azerbaijan's State Security Service has announced that Ruben Vardanian faces charges based on the following characteristics:

• 1. Financial terrorism,
• 2. Formation and participation in illegal armed groups,
• 3. Illegal residence in the Republic of Azerbaijan. (Referring to Artsakh)

It is noteworthy that Vardanian's wife, Veronika Zonabend, issued a statement regarding his arrest: "This morning, my husband, philanthropist, businessman, and former Prime Minister of the Republic of Artsakh, Ruben Vardanian, was detained and abducted by Azerbaijani authorities at the border while attempting to flee Artsakh with thousands of other Armenians escaping from Azerbaijani occupation. During the ten months of the blockade, Ruben stood shoulder to shoulder with the people of Artsakh, enduring hardships and continuing the fight for their survival. I pray that my husband is released unharmed and ask for your support," the statement said.