Ruben Vardanyan Launches Hunger Strike Again

Ruben Vardanyan, during a phone call with his family, conveyed his statement addressed to the international community in protest against the fake 'trial'.

“I have decided to express my protest through a hunger strike against the judicial farce being conducted against me. This is my response to the gross violations of international law and the procedural rights of Azerbaijan’s judiciary. What is happening in the courtroom cannot be deemed a trial. It is a political show, where my right to a fair trial is openly disregarded.

During the last month, my local attorney Abraham Berman and I have tried to convey to the court how crucial it is for me that this 'trial' be objective, rather than an imitation. Unfortunately, from the very beginning, it was clear that this case is directed against me solely because I exercised my rights to freedom of expression and political participation under international norms, aimed at protecting the rights of the Christian Armenian population of Artsakh.

Although Azerbaijan is a member of the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, this process is being conducted with gross violations of all applicable legal norms and procedures. My case is being tried in an illegal military, not a civilian court.

I have not had full access to the accusatory conclusion and the so-called 'evidence' presented against me; I was given only 21 working days to familiarize myself with 422 volumes of materials written in Azerbaijani. The 'accusatory conclusion' that has been presented to me is not an official document, as it is not signed by the prosecutors. Even in the translation of that 'document', there are mistakes that prevent me from understanding the essence of the charges against me.

I have been deprived of my right to defense; my lawyer Abraham Berman's access to the case materials is restricted, documents are seized, and psychological pressure is exerted on him. Additionally, my international legal team has been prohibited from contacting or meeting with me and accessing the case materials. I am not allowed to summon witnesses for the defense or file complaints against the violations that occurred during the preliminary investigation and hearing.

All sessions are held in secret, closed to the public. Access to the court for international journalists and representatives is obstructed. This 'trial' is not only against me; it is an attempt to condemn all Armenians who have helped and supported Artsakh and its population. This is an assault directed at an entire people.

I refuse to participate in this farce. I appeal to the leaders of the world, international organizations, human rights defenders, and representatives of the media: This process demands your attention. The imitation of justice is to justify lawlessness and injustice. Allowing such violations to go unanswered paves the way for future tragedies by inciting new waves of hostility and hatred. Justice and peace in the region can only be achieved through truth, law, and humanity.

Ruben Vardanyan
February 18, 2025