“It will be difficult to secure Ruben Vardanyan’s release,” says Tatevik Hayrapetyan

Former Member of Parliament and Azerbaijani expert Tatevik Hayrapetyan wrote on her Facebook page, “Last night I monitored the Azerbaijani field and realized that it will be very difficult to address the matter of Ruben Vardanyan’s continued release. Today, a decision has been made to detain him for four months, with charges filed against him under three articles: 'financing terrorism, creating unauthorized armed formations or groups, and illegal entry of a foreign citizen or stateless person into the Republic of Azerbaijan.'

When I say we do not recognize the Azerbaijani state or do not want to fully acknowledge its racist nature, that is precisely what I mean. What is Ruben Vardanyan’s 'crime'? From the moment he arrived in Artsakh and took on the role of State Minister, shortly thereafter came the blockade, and the international press continuously covered the issue of Artsakh thanks to his persona and connections, which raised a significant uproar that greatly concerned Azerbaijan. They may disregard the calls and court decisions, but when the international community begins to talk about them as perpetrators of ethnic cleansing, that does not sit well with Aliyev. He does not want to tarnish his image.

In short, Ruben Vardanyan’s work with the outside world has become a major headache for Baku. This is why they exerted tremendous effort to remove Vardanyan from his ministerial position. Nevertheless, he did not leave Artsakh, but of course, the international noise did not continue at the same pace. Azerbaijan largely achieved its goal—dousing the topic.

Then there were further steps as Azerbaijan planned its 'star moment' to enforce the forced displacement of the Armenians of Artsakh. The last straw was September 19, when Vardanyan was actively informing foreign media about the situation. Anyway, Azerbaijan has achieved its goal; Artsakh is being emptied in the most brutal manner, and the issue of Artsakh is being 'closed.' The turn will quickly come to Armenia, their media already speaks of 'enclaves' and 'corridors.'

But within this tragedy, there is an aspect that is also not taken into account. Azerbaijan will attempt in various ways to harm those who speak out against them, raise noise, and try to prevent the tragic developments of the situation. I do not know directly or indirectly (I like to speak with facts), but I am confident that they have played a significant role in the unprecedented degradation of a certain portion of our society. There are people who, after all this, are saying, 'Well, a treaty will be signed, we will live peacefully.' I have tirelessly tried to explain that Azerbaijan does not need peace with Armenians; they need peace without Armenians.

While the authorities are trying to label everyone as agents and fifth columns, seeing mythical figures everywhere, alongside this, we are losing our homeland, lives, values, will, and morality. That is why there will be some who will be pleased that an Armenian has been arrested by Azerbaijan, especially a person who has always tried to help Armenia be visible to the world. That person understood the importance of this, and in a well-known interview, spoke about his dream of Armenia becoming like Finland, but the government media turned it into a topic about 'Tatarstan.'

It is always like this—Aliyev also subjected Armenians to ethnic cleansing while speaking about 'integration' and 'peace.' Pashinyan is also dismantling the Armenian statehood while talking about sovereignty. We are in a phase of distorted mirrors and a lack of logic, and that is perhaps the most terrifying part. I wish strength to Vardanyan’s family; a difficult path awaits, but I am confident that the same international press, strong defense, and well-thought-out, clear succession of actions will help prevent a dangerous turn of events.”

It should be noted that Azerbaijan’s State Security Service reported that former State Minister of the Republic of Artsakh Ruben Vardanyan, who was arrested yesterday while attempting to move from Artsakh to Armenia, is charged with three articles of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code. It has been noted that Ruben Vardanyan, a citizen of the Republic of Armenia, is being charged with 'financing terrorism,' 'participating in the creation and operation of armed groups,' and 'illegally crossing state borders.' The court has decided to remand him into custody. The Azerbaijani court has detained him for four months. Additionally, the Azerbaijani State Security Service has released footage of escorting the former state minister to a prison cell, as well as his interrogation.