“My Dad Has Been in Prison for More Than 550 Days for Simply Being a Christian”
Originally published on Fox News Opinion
In a deeply personal and powerful article, David Vardanyan, son of philanthropist and political prisoner Ruben Vardanyan, sheds light on the ongoing repression of Armenians by Azerbaijan, particularly following the 2023 ethnic cleansing of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). David recounts the harrowing scenes of forced displacement, elderly and children suffering, and families torn apart within a single day.
At the center of this humanitarian tragedy stands his father, Ruben Vardanyan, who has been unjustly imprisoned for over 550 days. Ruben is not a career politician but a renowned humanitarian and businessman who has dedicated the last decade of his life to philanthropy. He is the co-founder of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, a globally respected movement that honors individuals who risk their lives for others around the world.
David draws a powerful historical parallel to America’s response during the Armenian Genocide of 1915, when U.S. citizens raised massive aid for Armenian survivors. He calls on the United States, and specifically President Donald Trump, to once again lead with moral clarity and help secure the release of Armenian prisoners of conscience currently held in Azerbaijan, including his father.
Ruben’s imprisonment is emblematic of a broader campaign: at least 23 other Armenian Christian prisoners are currently detained in Baku, alongside more than 300 political prisoners—Armenians and Azerbaijanis alike—including journalists, human rights defenders, and civil society activists.
With a message rooted in justice, faith, and the legacy of resilience, David appeals for urgent international attention and pressure on the Azerbaijani regime to respect human rights, end religious persecution, and release the innocent.
