Rubén Vardanyan's Family Releases Statement

As previously reported, Rubén Vardanyan has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by Baku.

Rubén Vardanyan's family has issued a statement:

“Today we learned that Rubén Vardanyan, a beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, has been sentenced to twenty years in prison. The decision of the military court of Azerbaijan is terrifying, although not unexpected. It was clear from the moment of his unlawful arrest 874 days ago that the outcome of this process was predetermined. During this time, not a single piece of evidence has been presented to substantiate the accusations against him.

Rubén has been deprived of fundamental guarantees for a fair trial, including legal defense, the ability to contact an international lawyer, and participation of independent media in the proceedings. Hearings have taken place behind closed doors and under conditions incompatible with international law and, even under Azerbaijani law, with the standards of a fair trial.

Despite attempts to discredit Rubén's reputation as a humanist, philanthropist, and social entrepreneur, the support from governments, civil society leaders, and international experts provides strength and hope to our family. All those who know Rubén personally or have interacted with him understand the absurdity and groundlessness of the charges against him.

This is not just a trial of Rubén Vardanyan and other Armenian prisoners; it resembles a verdict against the Armenian people as a whole. We will continue our efforts for his and other Armenian prisoners' release. We call upon international leaders to take all necessary measures in accordance with international law to ensure their freedom and protect their rights,” the statement reads.