The CSO network for Protection of Rights of Forcibly Displaced Persons from Artsakh expresses profound concern regarding the systematic violations of fundamental rights and freedoms of Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian political detainees currently in custody in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

According to reliable information received, Ruben Vardanyan, who has been on hunger strike for more than a week, has experienced a sharp deterioration in his health. During the court hearing on February 25, evident signs of significant deterioration in his physical condition were recorded; however, the trial continued, disregarding the serious threat to his health. Photographs that have entered public circulation show clear signs of ill-treatment, possible torture, and inhuman or degrading treatment, in clear violation of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and Articles 2 and 12 of the UN Convention Against Torture.

Having been under illegal detention for 18 months already, Ruben Vardanyan has been forced to resort to a hunger strike as an extreme measure to draw the attention of the international community to the systematic violations of his fundamental rights. The prosecutions carried out by the Republic of Azerbaijan against him and other Armenian political detainees are of an evidently political nature and constitute manifestations of ethnically-based discrimination by public authorities.

During a brief telephone conversation with his family from Baku prison on February 19, 2025, Ruben Vardanyan reported that fundamental guarantees of a fair trial have been violated in his case, including:

• Violation of the presumption of innocence and the right not to testify – he was forced to sign documents that allegedly contain false information, in violation of Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 6 of the ECHR.
• Violation of the right to adequately prepare a defense – he has been deprived of the opportunity to receive legal assistance and the right to free and confidential communication with his counsel.
• Violation of the prohibition against torture and cruel treatment – he has been subjected to ill-treatment and physical coercion, in violation of Articles 2, 12, and 16 of the UN Convention Against Torture.
• Restriction of communication with family, violating the UN “Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners” (Nelson Mandela Rules).
• Procedural violations in the trial – the trial is proceeding with gross procedural violations, disregarding fundamental norms of international humanitarian law and human rights.

URGENT APPEAL TO INTERNATIONAL BODIES

The CSO network for Protection of Rights of Forcibly Displaced Persons from Artsakh urgently appeals to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and other international bodies engaged in human rights protection to intervene immediately to ensure:

• Independent medical examination and health monitoring of Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian political detainees held in Azerbaijan, in accordance with the UN “Principles of Medical Ethics relevant to the Role of Health Personnel in the Protection of Prisoners” and the “Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners” (Nelson Mandela Rules).

• Independent and effective investigation of facts of ill-treatment and possible torture, in accordance with Article 12 of the UN Convention Against Torture.

• Alignment of trials with international fair trial standards and implementation of independent monitoring of court sessions to ensure the independence of justice.

• Immediate release of all Armenian prisoners of war and civilian detainees subjected to political persecution and ethnic discrimination, in accordance with Common Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the 1977 Additional Protocols.

We call upon the international community, human rights organizations, and states to adopt a decisive position towards the Republic of Azerbaijan, demanding an end to systematic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. The absence of an international response will contribute to the deepening of an atmosphere of impunity and may lead to irreversible consequences.

The CSO network for Protection of Rights of Forcibly Displaced Persons from Artsakh

1. “Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO
2. “Harmonia” NGO
3. “Hadrut Deoccupation” NGO
4. “Return to Kashatagh” NGO
5. “Shushi Deoccupation” NGO
6. “Kumayri” Artsakh Armenians NGO
7. “Return to Karvachar” NGO
8. “Krunk” NGO for the Protection of the Rights of Artsakh Armenians
9. “Askerantsis” Community Development Center NGO
10. “Hay Ka” Social, Security and Development NGO
11. “Lusastgh” NGO