During a telephone conversation with his family, Ruben Vardanyan conveyed his statement to the international community as a sign against false "trial".
"I decided to make a speech through the hunger strike as a sign of a judicial farce towards me. This is my answer to the rough violations of the norms of international law and the norms of Azerbaijan's procedural law. What is happening in the courtroom cannot be considered a trial. It is a political show where my right to a fair trial is shown.
During the last month, I and I have tried to make the court available to the court that it is very important for me so that the trial is objective, not an imitation.
Unfortunately, it was clear that this work was aimed only against me that I have sold my right to freedom of expression and political participation in international norms, which aimed at protecting the rights of Artsakh's Christian population.
Although Azerbaijan is a member of the European Convention on Human Rights and the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights, this process is carried out with the rough violations of all applicable legal norms and legal procedures.
1. My job is examined by an illegal military, not a civil court.
2. I have not had full access to the indictment and the so-called "evidence" presented against me. In order to get acquainted with the 422 volumes written in Azerbaijani, I have been provided with only 21 working days.
3. The "indictment" presented to me is not an official document, as it is not signed by the accusers. Information in this "document" even makes mistakes that do not allow me to understand the essence of the accusations.
4. I am deprived of the right to defense; The availability of my lawyer Abraham Berman is limited to the materials of the case, confiscated documents, psychological pressure on him. In addition, my international legal team has been banned from communicating or meeting with me and having access to the case materials.
5. I was not allowed to invite the Witnesses to the defense and file a complaint against the violations that have been made during the preliminary investigation and trial.
6. All sessions are held for a secret and closed society. The entry of international journalists and international representatives in court is hampered.
This "trial" is not just against me. This is an attempt to condemn all Armenians who helped and support Artsakh and its population. This is a blow to an entire nation.
I refuse to participate in this farce.
I turn to world leaders, international organizations, human rights activists, media representatives,
This process requires your attention. The imitation of justice is to justify illegality and injustice. Leaving such violations will resolve the way for future tragedies, provoking a new wave of hostility and hatred. Only through truth, law and humanism is to ensure justice and peace in the region. "
Ruben Vardanyan
February 19, 2025
