Ruben Vardanyan’s international lawyer, Jared Genser, in an exclusive interview with The Armenian Report, described the charges brought against his client and 15 other Armenians as “politically motivated.” He stressed that the trials, which are being held in a military court despite the defendants’ civilian status, lack transparency and fairness.
He highlighted the following as key facts about the trials:
Closed sessions: The court hearings are being held behind closed doors. Only Azerbaijani state media are allowed to attend, and international journalists and independent observers are not allowed.
Restricted rights: Ruben Vardanyan has been denied access to his lawyer and has not been able to review key legal documents, such as the 400-page indictment, which is in Azerbaijani, a language he does not speak.
Torture: The arrested leaders are subjected to severe physical and psychological torture, including solitary confinement, deprivation of food and water, and constant close surveillance.
Genser emphasized that these trials are part of a larger campaign to destroy the leadership of Artsakh, suppress efforts for self-determination, and erase the Armenian cultural heritage in the region.
Vardanyan’s international lawyer expressed confidence that the Trump administration is ready to take tougher measures against Azerbaijan, including possible sanctions and diplomatic pressure. He recalled Trump’s previous condemnation of ethnic cleansing in Artsakh, indicating that this issue will be a focus under his leadership.
Amid optimism about the US action, Genser expressed disappointment with the passivity of the Armenian government in protecting Vardanyan and other detainees. He called on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to demonstrate a more active position in mobilizing international support.
Genser also called on the Armenian diaspora to unite and take action. He offered concrete steps that individuals and communities can take, including:
writing articles and engaging with the media to raise awareness of the issue;
working with human rights organizations to put pressure on governments and international institutions;
working with other oppressed communities to build global solidarity.
“This is a fight for universal human rights. It’s not just about Armenians, it’s about the fundamental right to dignity and freedom,” Genser said.
Despite the difficult circumstances, Genser remains optimistic that continued international advocacy and increasing pressure on the Aliyev regime will eventually lead to justice. He acknowledges the possibility of harsh sentences for Vardanyan and the others arrested, but emphasizes that such actions often spark global outrage, forcing authoritarian leaders to rethink their behavior.
“Ruben’s story is an example of resilience, reminding us all that the fight for justice is never in vain,” Jared Genser concluded.