Ruben Vardanyan announced a hunger strike

The family of the illegally detained philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan announced today that Vardanyan has declared a hunger strike, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of him and other Armenian prisoners illegally held in Baku. Ruben Vardanyan's office reports this.

"He started the hunger strike in 2024. on April 5, which followed the numerous requests of Vardanyan and his lawyer to ensure a timely and fair and transparent trial in accordance with international legal standards. It is noteworthy that after starting the hunger strike, his phone calls with his family were stopped, openly violating all norms of international law. It should be noted that the trial expected in January was postponed until May without reason.

Ruben Vardanyan, who was illegally arrested in September last year, and 7 other former and current officials of the Republic of Artsakh, were presented with fabricated charges for political reasons. All of them are political prisoners.

"I am deeply concerned about my father's health and condition. We haven't seen him for over 200 days. Since April 5, when the hunger strike started, we have had absolutely no contact with him," said Davit Vardanyan, the eldest son of Ruben Vardanyan.

Vardanyan's hunger strike coincides with the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, showing how Armenians continue to be subjected to ethnic cleansing and continue to be targets of persecution to this day.

Ruben Vardanyan is the father of four children. He is also an influential businessman, social entrepreneur and philanthropist. With partners around the world, he has invested more than $1.5 billion in economic development, humanitarian initiatives and global education programs.

In 2022 from November to 2023 False accusations were made against Ruben Vardanyan, who held the position of Minister of State of the Artsakh Republic in February. The conditions of his detention violate all norms of international law. He faces a trial that will not meet international standards, especially in terms of the accessibility of the trial and procedures for international observers.

In addition, the case of Ruben Vardanyan was separated from the cases of the other seven political prisoners, raising the question of his being politically targeted.

"The illegal detention of Ruben and other former leaders of Artsakh is a gross violation of human rights and the international justice system, and it must be stopped. The irony of this whole situation is that Azerbaijan, hosting the UN climate change conference, COP 29, is shamelessly trying to "clean up" its international reputation. The COP pays a lot of attention to the connection between climate change and human rights, while they clearly abuse both," said Paul Polman, Vice President of the UN Global Compact, Member of the Select Committee of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative.

The family of Ruben Vardanyan demands.

Immediately and unconditionally release all illegally detained Armenian prisoners, including Ruben Vardanyan.
If extrajudicial trials are to take place, they must take place before the prisoners' terms expire in May, must meet international legal standards, and international observers and the media must be allowed to attend.
The government of Azerbaijan should give immediate access to the International Red Cross to assess the condition of Ruben and the other prisoners. The family's telephone contact with Ruben Vardanyan should be restored.
Any peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan must include the release of all Armenian prisoners.
COP 29 should not take place in Azerbaijan without the implementation of the mentioned steps."