Azerbaijan’s prosecution has moved to its final stage by demanding a life sentence for Ruben Vardanyan, underscoring that the proceedings are not judicial in nature but punitive in intent. Conducted in open violation of due process and international legal standards, the trial serves to criminalize the leadership and civilians of Artsakh following Azerbaijan’s 2023 military assault and the forced displacement of its Armenian population.
Ahead of his expected final statement, Vardanyan spoke by phone with his eldest son, David, telling his family he would not legitimize the proceedings. “I do not recognize what is happening as a judicial process and will not participate in an imitation of justice,” he said. “This does not meet the standards of a fair court.”
Vardanyan said he has no regrets, describing his actions as conscious and voluntary, taken with full awareness of the consequences. He stated that he is prepared to answer for them before God and that his only regret is that he was unable to do more.
He reaffirmed his position on Artsakh, stating that its identity and history cannot be erased or redefined through force or political expediency.
Vardanyan warned that indifference is more frightening than death, urged people not to fear choosing their own path, and stressed the obligation to do no harm and use words responsibly. “I am happy to be a servant of my people,” he said, thanking those who have remained by his side during this period.
Vardanyan’s case forms part of a broader sentencing campaign in which Azerbaijan has sought life sentences for former political leaders, ministers, and military officials of Artsakh, while imposing prison terms of 16 to 20 years on civilians.
The scale and severity of these sentences, imposed without distinction between officials and civilians, confirm the retaliatory character of the proceedings. The charges and courtroom practices fail to meet international legal norms.
At least 23 Armenians, including senior political and military figures, remain in Azerbaijani custody. There is no credible mechanism for independent review, release, or accountability.
