Azerbaijan Rejects Ruben Vardanyan’s Appeal Without Review in Politically-Motivated Imprisonment

The so-called “court” in Baku has once again denied justice to Ruben Vardanyan, the former State Minister of Artsakh and a respected Armenian businessman and philanthropist. On June 3, the Azerbaijani court rejected Vardanyan’s appeal, refusing to even examine his request for basic rights—this time, a plea to allow his family to receive a copy of the official indictment against him.

According to Azerbaijani media, Ruben Vardanyan’s request was simple: he wanted a copy of the indictment to be shared with his family, a right that would be standard in any democratic legal system. Instead of honoring this basic human right, the Azerbaijani authorities claimed the indictment contained “personal and family secrets” and refused to release it, using this as a legal excuse to block the request.

Vusal Aliyev, a senior assistant to the Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan, defended the court’s position by referencing Azerbaijan’s Criminal Procedure Code, stating that the accused's family does not qualify to receive such documents. The court panel quickly agreed, denying the motion without fair deliberation.

After the initial motion was rejected, Vardanyan and his lawyer, Abraham Berman, formally objected. They pointed out that not only was the indictment kept from his family, but earlier requests during past hearings were also ignored. The court did not respond with fairness—instead, it refused to even examine the new objection.

Meanwhile, individuals labeled as “victims” by the Azerbaijani state also asked the court not to consider Vardanyan’s objection, continuing the biased and one-sided nature of the trial.

The next court hearing is set for June 10, but expectations for justice remain low, especially given how the process has unfolded so far.

Ruben Vardanyan’s case is part of a much broader and deeply troubling campaign by the Azerbaijani government against the leadership of the Republic of Artsakh. Since January 17, Azerbaijan has launched what many observers see as a politically motivated series of sham trials. Those being targeted include Artsakh’s former presidents Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan; former Defense Army leaders Levon Mnatsakanyan and David Manukyan; former Foreign Minister David Babayan; and Parliament Speaker David Ishkhanyan.

Despite Vardanyan’s request to combine his case with those of his fellow leaders, the Azerbaijani court chose to separate his trial and only review 400 out of 422 volumes of evidence in isolation. This decision further weakens the defense and makes it harder to challenge the state’s narrative.

Human rights organizations around the world, as well as Armenian communities across the diaspora, have spoken out about Azerbaijan’s use of courts to silence and punish the leadership of Artsakh. These trials are not about justice—they are about revenge, intimidation, and erasing the memory and identity of the Armenian people of Artsakh.

Ruben Vardanyan is more than just a former official—he is a philanthropist who has invested millions into rebuilding Armenian communities and preserving Armenian culture. His treatment by the Azerbaijani state is a symbol of the broader oppression Armenians face under an authoritarian regime that continues to violate international law.

As the next court session approaches on June 10, the global community must keep its eyes on Baku. The silence of world leaders and international human rights groups only enables Azerbaijan’s abuse of power. Ruben Vardanyan and the other imprisoned Artsakh leaders deserve fair treatment, access to legal rights, and the support of all who value justice.

What is happening in Azerbaijan is not justice. It is persecution dressed up as law—and the world must call it out for what it is.

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