Ruben Vardanyan Rejects Lawyer, Says Fair Trial in Azerbaijan Is Impossible

Armenian philanthropist and former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan has refused legal defense in the ongoing court proceedings against him in Azerbaijan, citing violations of international and domestic legal standards.

According to a statement released through his family on October 22, 2025, Vardanyan explained that his decision was driven by the “lack of conditions for his lawyer to carry out professional duties” and by “violations of legal norms.” He said the circumstances of the trial have made it impossible to mount a proper defense.

In his written statement, Vardanyan said that during the October 21 hearing, he announced his decision to refuse the services of his lawyer, Abraham Berman. He called the move a “forced decision” and described the trial as an “open farce.” Vardanyan said that both international law and Azerbaijan’s procedural rules have been violated, leaving no fair options for defense.

He claimed that he has never been given access to the case materials or the indictment, nor has he been allowed to review the 422 volumes of documents related to the case. He added that the court failed to provide official translations of the main procedural papers.

Vardanyan stated that he has not been able to freely communicate with his lawyer or exchange documents without inspection, making it impossible to prepare for the hearings. He said he was also denied access to audio and video evidence used against him.

“All of my motions have been ignored by the investigative bodies and the court,” he said, adding that his lawyer’s key requests for a fair trial went unanswered.

He further noted that the court had rejected the defense team’s request to summon witnesses who could help clarify the facts and circumstances of the case. Vardanyan said this decision removed any “semblance of objectivity and fairness” from the process.

According to him, the situation has only worsened over time. He described the trial as a “theater of absurdity,” claiming that under such conditions, the lawyer’s presence only serves to create a false appearance of legality.

“I refuse to take part in this farce. I do not need the illusion of defense; I demand real protection of my procedural rights,” Vardanyan concluded.

Vardanyan, a prominent businessman and humanitarian, was detained by Azerbaijani authorities in 2023 after the occupation of Nagorno-Karabakh. He has since been held on charges widely regarded by Armenian officials and human rights observers as politically motivated. His latest statement shows his ongoing criticism of the trial’s legitimacy and conditions.

—

Support independent reporting from the region by subscribing to The Armenian Report. Our team is funded solely by readers like you.