Every individual unlawfully detained in Baku’s prisons must be released without delay
Facebook post by Alvina Gyulumyan, former Judge of the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Armenia, former Representative-Judge of Armenia at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), and the first President of the Union of Judges of Armenia.
Today, as the Oslo Freedom Forum convenes, bringing together leading human rights advocates to “imagine” a better future, a stark injustice demands forum’s immediate attention: the continued, unlawful detention of Ruben Vardanyan, a renowned philanthropist and co-founder of the international Aurora Prize, in Azerbaijan. This marks his second birthday spent in Baku’s prisons, a direct result of the dictatorial Aliyev regime’s egregious suppression of human rights.
Ruben Vardanyan’s “crime” is simply that he sought to illuminate a path to a freer, more prosperous future for his people in Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh). His commitment to humanitarian causes and social entrepreneurship, recognized globally through initiatives like the Aurora Prize, stands in stark contrast to the fabricated charges he faces. He is not a criminal; he is a prisoner of conscience, held solely for his peaceful advocacy and leadership in a region brutally subjected to ethnic cleansing.
Vardanyan is not alone. Alongside him, numerous other Armenian officials and civilians from Nagorno-Karabakh are being held captive by the Azerbaijani authorities. These individuals, including former leaders of Artsakh, were unlawfully detained following Azerbaijan’s military offensive and forcible displacement of 120,000 Armenians. Reports indicate that many face sham trials, endure inhumane treatment, and are denied due process. Their detention is politically motivated, a clear attempt by the Aliyev regime to consolidate power and erase the Armenian presence in the region.
The Oslo Freedom Forum’s panel on “Engaging UN Bodies to Free Prisoners of Conscience” is a critical platform to amplify this urgent call. The international community, including UN bodies, must not remain silent. We demand:
* Immediate and unconditional release of Ruben Vardanyan: His detention is a blatant violation of international law and human rights.
* Freedom for all Armenian political prisoners and hostages: Every individual unlawfully held in Baku prisons must be released without delay. Their continued captivity is a grave injustice.
* International pressure on the Aliyev regime: Governments and international organizations must exert maximum pressure on Azerbaijan to respect human rights, cease its repressive tactics, and adhere to international legal norms.
* Access for international observers and humanitarian organizations: Independent bodies must be granted full access to monitor the conditions and legal proceedings of all Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan.
Ruben Vardanyan’s bravery and dedication to humanity embody the very principles the Oslo Freedom Forum champions. His ongoing imprisonment, and that of his fellow Armenians, is a stark reminder that the fight for freedom and justice is far from over. Let the voices at the Oslo Freedom Forum echo this demand for freedom for all Armenians forcibly held in Baku prisons. Their liberation is not just a matter of justice for individuals, but a crucial step towards genuine peace and stability in the South Caucasus.
