Ruben Vardanyan's international human rights defender, Jared GenserIn an exclusive interview with The Armenian Reportdescribed the charges brought against his client and 15 other Armenians as “politically motivated charges.” He emphasized that the trials, which are held in military courts despite the prisoners' civilian status, lack transparency and impartiality.
He singled out the following points as the main features of these trials:
Closed proceedings: The court hearings were held behind closed doors, with only the Azerbaijani state media participating. Access to international media and independent observers has been denied.
Violation of legal rights: Ruben Vardanyan was denied contact with his lawyer, he did not have the opportunity to get acquainted with the main legal documents, for example, the 400-page indictment, which is written in Azerbaijani, which Vardanyan does not speak.
Torture: Detained leaders were subjected to severe physical and psychological torture, including solitary confinement, deprivation of food and water, and conditions of constant surveillance.
Genser emphasized that these trials are part of a larger campaign to dismantle Artsakh's leadership, suppress self-determination efforts, and erase Armenian cultural heritage in the region.
Vardanyan's international human rights defender expressed confidence that the Trump administration is ready to adopt a tougher policy towards Azerbaijan, including possible sanctions and diplomatic pressure. He highlighted Trump's previous condemnation of ethnic cleansing in Artsakh, which implies that the issue will be in the center of attention under his leadership.
Against the background of his optimism regarding the US, Genser expressed disappointment with the limited efforts of the Armenian government to protect the interests of Vardanyan and the rest of the prisoners, and called on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to play a more active role in attracting the support of the international community.
Gerard Genser also urged the Armenian diaspora for unity and action. He outlined concrete steps that individuals and communities can take, including:
Write articles and interact with the media to expand and raise awareness of the issue
Collaborate with human rights organizations to pressure governments and institutions
Collaborate with other persecuted communities to promote global solidarity.
"This is a fight for universal human rights. It is not only about Armenians. it's about the fundamental right to dignity and freedom," said Genser.
Despite the bleak circumstances, Genser does not lose hope. He believes that international propaganda and growing pressure on Aliyev's regime will ultimately lead to justice. He acknowledges the possibility of severe punishment for Vardanyan and the rest of the prisoners, but stresses that such actions often provoke global outrage, forcing the leaders of authoritarian countries to reconsider their stance.
"Ruben Vardanyan's story is a testimony of endurance, and it reminds us all that the fight for justice is never in vain," Gerard Genser optimistically concluded his speech.
