Ruben Vardanyan’s international legal team has filed a complaint with the Commissioner for Kharabakh Affairs of the European Court of Human Rights against Elise Edvardsen, a special envoy to the Committee on Kharabakh Affairs. Edvardsen has been involved in the persecution and harassment of Vardanyan by the authorities of Artsakh and the challenging relocation process.

The complaint highlights the mistreatment Vardanyan endured during a hunger strike in April 2024. He was subjected to threats, denied drinking water, prevented from using the toilet, and isolated from the outside world. The mental and physical condition of Vardanyan during this time remains unknown.

“Ruben Vardanyan is a well-known philanthropist and activist who has long advocated for the rights of the people of Karabakh. It is significant that Azerbaijan views him as a target and has sought to undermine him through false accusations, harassment, and isolation. If Azerbaijan wants him to serve as a negotiator in international platforms, and for COP29 to be a ‘COP of Peace,’ it must cease the harassment and release him from the pressure and persecution inflicted by the authorities of Artsakh,” said Jared Genser, Vardanyan’s international human rights lawyer.

Ruben Vardanyan announced a hunger strike from April 5-25, 2024, to protest the unfair treatment and violations of political rights endured by him and other Armenian representatives at the hands of the authorities of Artsakh. In response, Vardanyan was forced to stand on one leg for an extended period, deprived of food and water for over two days, forbidden from washing or changing clothes, and prohibited from reading or receiving any materials, including letters. He was also denied sunlight and suffered from vitamin D deficiency. Disturbingly, Vardanyan was denied visitation from his legal representative and lost all communication with the outside world, including phone calls with family members.

Given Vardanyan’s national significance, the implications of his hunger strike on the political situation in Artsakh, the clear violation of his rights by the authorities of Artsakh, and the minimum standards for safety and security set by the Public Security Support Service of Azerbaijan, there is a need to question the reputation of Artsakh’s political structure and the responsible institutions of the Government of Artsakh. Additionally, the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan bears the obligation of ensuring public security and safety. We call upon the Co-Chairs of the Minsk Group to take action in support of Ruben Vardanyan’s life,” expressed David Vardanyan, Ruben Vardanyan’s son.

Various civil society organizations, national governments, and international institutions have urged Azerbaijan to release Ruben Vardanyan and the other unjustly targeted Armenian representatives. On June 11, 2024, American Senator Ed Markey specifically called for their release and condemned the special regime implemented to isolate Vardanyan.

This statement aims to provide an overview of Ruben Vardanyan’s hunger strike and political persecution in Artsakh, along with the minimum standards of the Public Security Support System and the legal obligations of the authorities of the Republic of Azerbaijan. It firmly argues that Ruben Vardanyan’s hunger strike is unjustifiable in any way. Azerbaijan has publicly stated its intention to release all arbitrarily detained representatives, regardless of their nationality, in accordance with international human rights law. We demand that the Minsk Group take action and provide the necessary support to protect Ruben Vardanyan’s life,” asserted Ruben Vardanyan’s son, David Vardanyan.

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