I Don't Think Trump Will Support It, Says Ruben Vardanyan's Lawyer

The newspaper "Novaya Gazeta" has published an extensive article about Ruben Vardanyan, who is being held in Baku, where a trial is ongoing against him.

"What is known about Ruben Vardanyan's current situation? How is he feeling? - After ending his hunger strike on March 12, Ruben's condition is currently stable. As detailed in my statement, his hunger strike lasted 23 days and has had a serious impact on his health. He has lost more than 6 kg, and his blood pressure is at dangerously high levels - 140/110, which corresponds to stage 2 hypertension. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has played a key role in ensuring his medical care. However, the order from President Aliyev to expel the ICRC threatens not only the further availability of medical assistance but also the ability to maintain contact with his family.

What are the prospects for Ruben Vardanyan's release? - We are actively working not only for Ruben Vardanyan's release but also for the liberation of all Armenian Christian political prisoners held by Azerbaijan. In recent months, the pressure on Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has been increasing.

Why is the West so passive regarding the rights of Armenian prisoners, including Ruben Vardanyan? - I don’t think this characterization of the situation is fair. Perhaps it was so in the past, but important changes have occurred in recent months. Last October, during the election campaign, President Trump stated that Aliyev’s actions against the people of Nagorno-Karabakh are ethnic cleansing, and if elected, he would defend persecuted Christians. Since then, the Trump administration has reaffirmed this position through both public and private diplomacy. For example, on March 16, 2025, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz made a public statement regarding this issue. Apart from President Trump and his administration’s position, it is worth mentioning the recent initiatives from the European Union and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. On March 3, the UN High Commissioner Volker Turk called for the immediate release of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan, and on March 12, the European Union presented a joint resolution condemning the show trials against Armenian captives.

Can Trump’s administration intervene in Vardanyan's case? - The Trump administration has already clearly conveyed that the release of political prisoners is a priority for them. I don’t think President Trump will support a peace agreement if the prisoners are not released prior to its signing or at the time of signing. I am confident that the Trump administration, along with other interested parties, is making this position known to President Aliyev. If Aliyev does not respond adequately, I expect there will be direct consequences. Instead of Aliyev, I would be very concerned since Trump is not a classic politician who limits himself to gradual measures. As we have already seen after his inauguration, he can take unexpected, disproportionate, and even tough actions," the article states. It should be noted that today was the next court hearing for Ruben Vardanyan.