Human rights activists demand urgent medical for Vardanyan

PanARMENIAN.Net - On March 4, at 3:00 p.m., letters will be delivered to the Armenian Foreign Ministry and the Swiss Embassy, calling for the protection of the rights of illegally detained Armenians in Baku. The initiative was announced by the Free Armenian Prisoners group.

The letter addressed to Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan emphasizes the need to ensure consular access for Armenian prisoners in Baku through third countries, in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. It also suggests that Armenia formally request the Swiss Confederation to facilitate consular services and provide urgent medical assistance to Ruben Vardanyan.

The letter to Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter highlights Switzerland’s role in international humanitarian law and its experience in mediation during complex situations. Around 40 Armenian civil society organizations have signed the letters, which will be delivered today to the respective recipients.

The demonstration will begin near the Armenian Foreign Ministry building, after which NGO representatives will proceed to the Swiss Embassy to submit the letters.

The Armenian Foreign Ministry has reiterated its efforts to draw international attention to the plight of Armenian prisoners of war, hostages, and other detainees in Azerbaijan, as well as to the staged trials marred by serious legal violations and signs of torture.

Human rights lawyer Siranush Sahakyan has reported that recent photos of former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan show visible injuries on his body. Vardanyan has been on a hunger strike for a week. During his last court hearing, his health deteriorated sharply, and photos taken in the courtroom revealed injuries on his face. Despite this, the court forced him to attend the session. His international lawyer previously warned that Vardanyan’s life is in serious danger.