Last September, Ruben Vardanyan was detained by the Azerbaijani authorities while trying to enter Armenia from Artsakh. He has been charged with financing terrorism and faces up to life in prison. The charges against him are completely unsubstantiated and are an act of political retribution for Ruben’s role in Nagorno-Karabakh.
In April 2024, Ruben engaged in a hunger strike to protest to his politically motivated prosecution and that of the other Armenian prisoners. In response, the authorities of the Pre-Trial Detention facility of the State Security Service moved him into a punishment cell and subjected him to several torture techniques.
Ruben’s family remain unaware of full psychological and physical trauma that has resulted from this treatment.
“We were shocked to learn of the horrors that my father has had to endure. It is terrifying to think of what is being done to other less prominent prisoners in Azerbaijan who have not received the international support that my father has. For the sake of all the current political prisoners in Azerbaijan – whether Armenian, Azerbaijani, or any other nationality – this inhumane treatment of prisoners must be stopped. We urge the UN to hold the Azerbaijan Government accountable and to help protect my father’s life.”
David Vardanyan
Ruben Vardanyan’s son
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SIGN OUR PETITION
Thousands of signatories are already supporting the release of Ruben Vardanyan and all other illegally-detained Baku prisoners. Get involved.
WRITE TO RUBEN
Voice your support by writing to Ruben and his family. Although Ruben cannot receive letters in prison, he will be able to see your letters after his release. Submit your letter via lettertoruben@freearmenianprisoners.com or by clicking the link below.
WRITE TO PRESIDENT ALIYEV
Share your concerns with President Aliyev using the optional letter template and address details in the link below.
WRITE TO YOUR AMBASSADOR IN BAKU
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WRITE TO YOUR AMBASSADOR IN BAKU
Please find a list of countries below that have an embassy in Azerbaijan. If your country is not on the list, then please feel free to reach out to the UN or the EU or an affiliate embassy of your choice. Alternatively, you can contact President Aliyev directly using the ‘Write to President Aliyev’ link. We appreciate your support.