Ruben Vardanyan, Illegally Held in Baku, Delivers Message

Ruben Vardanyan, a political prisoner held illegally in a Baku jail, has sent a message to his family during a phone call.

"I wish to address the international community, to those who are not indifferent to what is happening in our region and who desire lasting and real peace: I, Ruben Vardanyan, have been in the isolation ward of the State Security Service of the Republic of Azerbaijan for over 470 days since September 27, 2023. Of those days, I have spent 340 in solitary confinement and 23 in a punishment cell. I wish to convey the following statement before the trial. If you are reading this, it means I have exhausted all other means to convey the truth about what is happening here to you.

On January 17, at 15:00, my trial is scheduled. I have been told that I face 42 charges, some of which could result in a life sentence. However, I have not yet been given the opportunity to review the official indictment. My lawyer and I have only been allowed to browse the 422-volume criminal case in Azerbaijani, a language I do not master, and we have been allotted a very short period from December 9, 2024, to January 8, 2025, to do so. I have only received the list of articles under which I am charged in Russian on January 8, 2025.

At the same time, pressure has been exerted on me, my lawyer, and the translator to force us to sign documents retroactively, including falsified protocols of interrogations that never took place. I officially declare the following: since the first day of my detention, I have not given any testimony except for the first interrogation, during which I simply stated my name. I emphasize again: all records with my signature are false. Those documents do not actually exist. My lawyer and the translator have been coerced into placing their signatures on those documents.

I reiterate my absolute innocence, the innocence of my compatriots, and demand the immediate cessation of this politicized case against us. Despite our innocence and the political motivations behind the case, it is very likely that the prosecutors will disregard my statement and proceed with the trial. In this case, I ask and demand your support for my following requests:

1. Give me and my lawyer the opportunity to fully prepare a defense. In particular, allow us time and the opportunity to carefully review the case materials in Russian.
2. Rectify the violations and forgeries committed. Specifically, acknowledge all falsified documents and interrogation protocols that never took place, since I have not given any testimony since my arrest.
3. Conduct the trial publicly for me and all other defendants. I insist on maximum transparency in the trial, with the participation of international media and representatives of humanitarian organizations.
4. Consolidate my case with those of the other defendants. More than 400 volumes of my 422-volume case are episodes related to the general case. Only 6 pertain to the falsified charges against me. The separation of my case is an artificial and unfounded decision.

I feel neither malice nor hatred. On the contrary, I sincerely sympathize with all those who violate laws, moral principles, and the commandments of the Quran. I am confident that real peace will only be possible when the leaders of the countries involved in the conflict, with the support of their societies, can together lay flowers at the graves of all those fallen in this war. I promise to do everything possible for this to happen within 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 nonviolence, truth, and love. We can achieve real peace through compassion for all people, regardless of their skin color, nationality, or faith.

Thank you all for your support. I love everyone and am grateful for the kindness shown to me. Know that I am strong, I endure, and I believe that the truth will prevail," he conveyed.