The family of the illegally detained philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan informed today that Vardanyan has announced a hunger strike, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of him and other Armenian prisoners illegally held in Baku. Ruben Vardanyan’s office reports.

“He went on the hunger strike on 5 April, 2024 which followed the numerous requests of Vardanyan and his lawyer to ensure a timely, fair and transparent trial in accordance with international legal standards. It is noteworthy that after beginning the hunger strike, his phone calls with his family were stopped, openly violating all norms of international law. It should be noted that the trial expected in January was postponed until May without reason.

Ruben Vardanyan and 7 other former and current officials of the Republic of Artsakh, who was illegally arrested in September of the last year, were presented with trumped-up charges for political reasons. All of them are political prisoners.

“I am deeply concerned about my father’s health and condition. We haven’t seen him over 200 days. Since 5 April, when the hunger strike began, we have had absolutely no contact with him,” Davit Vardanyan, Ruben Vardanyan’s eldest son said.

Vardanyan’s hunger strike coincides with the 109th commemoration of the Armenian Genocide, showing how Armenians continue to be subjected to ethnic cleansing and continue to be targets of persecution to this day.

Ruben Vardanyan is the father of four children. He is also an influential businessman, social entrepreneur and philanthropist. With partners around the world, he has invested more than $1.5 billion in economic development, humanitarian initiatives and global education programs.

False accusations were made against Ruben Vardanyan, who held the position of Minister of State of the Republic of Artsakh from November 2022 to February 2023. The conditions of his detention violate all norms of international law. He faces a trial that will not meet international standards, especially in terms of the accessibility of the trial and procedures for international observers.

In addition, Ruben Vardanyan’s case was separated from the cases of the other seven political prisoners, raising questions about his political targeting.

“The illegal detention of Ruben and other former leaders of Artsakh is a gross violation of human rights and the international justice system, and it must be stopped. The irony of this whole situation is that Azerbaijan, which shall host the UN climate change conference, COP 29, is shamelessly trying to “greenwash” its international reputation. The COP pays a great attention to the connection between climate change and human rights, while they clearly abuse both,” Paul Polman, Vice President of the UN Global Compact, member of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Selection Committee said.

The of Ruben Vardanyan’s family demands.

1. Immediately and unconditional release all illegally detained Armenian prisoners, including Ruben Vardanyan.
2. In case illegal trails  proceeds, they must take place before the prisoners’ terms expire in May, must meet international legal standards, and international observers and the media must be allowed to attend.
3. The government of Azerbaijan should give immediate access to the International Red Cross to assess the condition of Ruben and the other prisoners. The family’s telephone contact with Ruben Vardanyan should be restored.
4. Any peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan must include the release of all Armenian prisoners.
5. COP 29 should not take place in Azerbaijan without the implementation of the mentioned steps.”