Azerbaijan Jails Ex-Nagorno-Karabakh Official for 20 Years
Azerbaijan has sentenced Ruben Vardanyan, a former official linked to the Armenian administration in Nagorno-Karabakh, to 20 years in prison. The verdict was announced by Azerbaijani state media on Tuesday.
Background on Ruben Vardanyan
Ruben Vardanyan, a 57-year-old billionaire, was found guilty of 19 charges under Azerbaijan’s criminal code. These included crimes against peace, war crimes, and terrorism.
Details of the Sentencing
- Vardanyan’s defense claimed the trial was biased.
- Prosecutors initially sought a life sentence.
- He criticized the trial, labeling it a “farce.”
In a final statement, Vardanyan called for Armenian-Azerbaijani reconciliation, emphasizing that peace requires equal relationships between nations.
Context of the Charges
The charges stemmed from his role in the now-defunct Armenian administration of Nagorno-Karabakh. Vardanyan was arrested in September 2023 while trying to leave the region during Azerbaijan’s rapid offensive.
During his pre-trial detention, he engaged in hunger strikes twice to protest against his prosecution. His family described the verdict as “horrifying but expected,” citing concerns about the fairness of the trial process.
Other Sentences and Impact on Nagorno-Karabakh
Earlier this month, Azerbaijani courts also sentenced 15 other former military and political figures from Nagorno-Karabakh. Some received life sentences, including:
- Arayik Harutyunyan (former president)
- David Babayan (former foreign minister)
- David Ishkhanyan (former parliament speaker)
- Levon Mnatsakanyan (former defense army commander)
Following Azerbaijan’s takeover in September 2023, approximately 100,000 ethnic Armenians fled Nagorno-Karabakh, fearing reprisals. A contingent of nearly 2,000 Russian peacekeepers did not intervene during this crisis.
Significant Developments
The self-declared republic of Nagorno-Karabakh officially dissolved on January 1, 2024. Subsequently, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan signed a declaration affirming Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, which includes Nagorno-Karabakh.
This current climate raises questions about future relations and stability in the region.
