Through his family, Ruben Vardanyan conveyed his reasons for refusing to be a lawyer, explaining the lack of conditions to perform the professional work of a lawyer and violations of legal norms.
"During the October 21 court session, I announced the withdrawal of my lawyer Abraham Berman's services. This was a forced decision. The gross violations of the norms of international law, as well as of the Azerbaijani procedural code itself, turned these hearings into an open farce. Under these conditions, all procedural possibilities of defense are exhausted.
1. I was never allowed to get acquainted with the case materials and the indictment. Access to materials is still denied. I am unable to access the 422 volumes of my case, the court has not provided an official translation of key trial documents.
2. I was not given an opportunity to defend myself in court. I did not have the opportunity to exchange documents without restrictions and background checks with the defense to prepare for the court hearings, I did not get access to the audio and videos presented as evidence of my guilt.
3. All my petitions have been ignored by the investigating authorities and the court. Important pleas of the defense, which were necessary for a fair trial, also went unanswered.
4. The other reason for the refusal of the defense counsel was the refusal of the court to invite witnesses who could clarify the circumstances of the case and confirm the facts important for the defense. The court refused to grant this petition, ultimately stripping the process of any semblance of objectivity and fairness.
Over time, the situation only worsened. In this theater of absurdity, the role of the defender, regardless of his desire and efforts, is limited only to ensuring the formal legality of this process. I refuse to participate in this farce. I don't need the illusion of protection. I demand the actual observance of my due process rights."
