Trump vowed to protect Armenia’s Christians. He can start here.
A summary of David Ignatius’ article from The Washington Post (February 10, 2025)
Renowned American journalist David Ignatius has written a powerful piece in The Washington Post, shedding light on the politically motivated trial of Ruben Vardanyan in Azerbaijan.
According to Ignatius, Vardanyan’s so-called ‘crime’ is his commitment to helping others. As the author explains, Ruben Vardanyan is not a typical political prisoner—he is a successful businessman, philanthropist, and humanitarian who has dedicated his life to supporting Armenia and vulnerable communities worldwide.
In his article, Ignatius recounts how Vardanyan co-founded the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, which honors individuals risking their lives to save others. Supported by global figures such as George Clooney, Mary Robinson, and several Nobel laureates, this initiative has highlighted the bravery of people fighting against oppression, from Myanmar to Sudan.
However, as Ignatius notes, Azerbaijan now seeks to punish Vardanyan for his leadership in Nagorno-Karabakh, a region legally recognized as part of Azerbaijan but historically home to an Armenian population. Vardanyan’s decision to relocate to Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) in 2022 was driven by a deep sense of duty toward his people. In September 2023, following Azerbaijan’s military assault and the mass exodus of Armenians, he was arrested while attempting to cross into Armenia.
Ignatius also highlights the alarming legal violations in Vardanyan’s case, citing Amnesty International’s concerns over reports of ill-treatment, coerced signatures on falsified documents, and denial of a fair defense. His lawyer, Jared Genser, describes the trial as a political show trial orchestrated to punish Vardanyan for advocating for the rights of Nagorno-Karabakh’s Armenians.
The article further explores the broader implications of Vardanyan’s case, particularly regarding the persecution of Armenian Christians. Ignatius recalls how U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to protect persecuted Christians worldwide and suggests that supporting Ruben Vardanyan could be an opportunity for the U.S. to uphold this promise.
To read the full article, visit The Washington Post.
