Azerbaijan’s human rights commissioner, who visited former Artsakh state minister Ruben Vardanyan and former president Bako Sahakyan in a Baku prison amid reports of torture against Armenian captives, claimed that both men stated they were treated "humanely."

According to the commissioner’s press service, Vardanyan and Sahakyan "were not subjected to discrimination or mistreatment and had adequate detention conditions and medical services," APA reported.

The report also stated that the commissioner and the International Committee of the Red Cross had visited them multiple times, for which they expressed gratitude.

During a March 4 court session, Vardanyan’s personal messages on WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram, along with his voice recordings, were presented. Vardanyan refused to answer any questions.

He was questioned about negotiations related to acquiring and manufacturing helicopter-type drones, instructions given to Arman Jilavyan regarding factory construction documents, his ties with VOMA’s founder Vladimir Vardanov, as well as messages exchanged with him via WhatsApp. Trend reported that he was also interrogated about organizing and financing military training in Karabakh and Vardanov’s participation in past wars against Azerbaijan.

Vardanyan was accused of using humanitarian and charitable foundations to fund "military training programs, special camps, and instructors for different age groups in Karabakh." Organizations such as Dilijan Community Center and the Aznavour Foundation were mentioned.

Authorities also presented lists of "leaders and members of illegal armed groups" in Karabakh to examine his alleged connections, payment structures, and funding sources.

Additionally, he was questioned about Telegram conversations with Arthur Alaverdyan concerning drone acquisitions—what they were intended for, how they were financed, and whether he had raised money for them from others.

Prosecutor Tarana Mammadova questioned him about a supposed "Nemesis-2" operation, which, according to investigators, “aimed at attacking Azerbaijani diplomats abroad.”

Once again, Vardanyan refused to answer.

His defense team filed motions seeking clarification of his rights, access to case materials and transcripts, and the translation of his indictment into Russian. They also requested permission for a foreign lawyer to participate in his defense, Minval.az reported.

However, senior assistant prosecutor Vusal Aliyev stated that these motions had already been reviewed and ruled upon, insisting that Vardanyan “had ample time to examine case materials.” The court rejected the motions but stated that if Vardanyan wished to review the documents again, arrangements would be made.

Vardanyan was again invited to testify freely, but he declined.

The prosecution presented as evidence "voice messages, chats, documents, photos, and videos sent via WhatsApp, Signal, and Telegram directly related to the case."

The next hearing is scheduled for March 11.

Armenia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement emphasizing its continued efforts to draw international attention to the release of Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and other detainees held in Azerbaijan. The ministry also condemned the ongoing trials against some detainees, citing serious violations of legal procedures and evidence of torture.

Human rights lawyer Siranush Sahakyan stated that recent photos of Ruben Vardanyan reveal visible injuries on his body. Vardanyan has been on a hunger strike for a week.

During his last court session, his health deteriorated significantly, and photos taken during the trial showed injuries on his face. Despite this, the court forced him to participate in the hearing.

Vardanyan’s international lawyer had previously provided details about his health condition, warning that his life was in serious danger.