Azerbaijan's Chief Prosecutor Signs Warrant for Arrest of Arayik Harutyunyan

The Chief Prosecutor of Azerbaijan issued a warrant for the arrest of former Nagorno-Karabakh leader Arayik Harutyunyan on Sunday, October 1. This was reported by Euronews.com, noting that 'the arrest order by Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev reflects Azerbaijan's intention to swiftly and forcefully take control of the region following a three-decade-long conflict.'

The report also recalls the arrest of former Nagorno-Karabakh Prime Minister Ruben Vardanyan on September 27, as well as the announcement of a search warrant for Harutyunyan and Jalal Harutyunyan. According to Azerbaijani sources, the latest information indicates that Arayik Harutyunyan is currently in Stepanakert.

On September 27, Ruben Vardanyan was arrested by Azerbaijani border guards while attempting to cross the Hakari Bridge to enter Armenia. This information was first reported by Azerbaijani media and was later confirmed by Vardanyan's wife, Veronica Zonabend, and subsequently by the Azerbaijani Border Service. The court has ordered a four-month detention for Ruben Vardanyan.

Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for the President of the Russian Federation, stated that he has no clear information on whether Vardanyan has renounced his Russian citizenship. If he has not, Russia will take measures regarding the arrest of its citizen. Meanwhile, the Armenian government has appealed to the European Court of Human Rights to gather information on Vardanyan's whereabouts and condition.

The Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also announced that it would take all necessary measures to protect Ruben Vardanyan's rights and ensure his return. The United Nations has called on Azerbaijan to respect Vardanyan's rights.