NGOs urge ICRC to visit Ruben Vardanyan immediately

PanARMENIAN.Net - Several dozen non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have sent an open letter to Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), urging an immediate visit to Ruben Vardanyan, the former State Minister of Artsakh and philanthropist, who is unlawfully imprisoned in Baku.

The letter warns that his health could deteriorate rapidly, leading to irreversible consequences.

"We are addressing you with deep concern regarding the health condition of Ruben Vardanyan, who has been on a hunger strike for over a week in a Baku prison, as well as the situation of other Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan who are being prosecuted for political reasons.

According to Azerbaijani media reports, during a court session on February 25, Ruben Vardanyan’s health deteriorated, yet the proceedings continued despite his condition. Additionally, published photographs show visible injuries on his face, indicating possible torture.

Given that he is being prosecuted for political reasons and has been on a prolonged hunger strike, his health may rapidly decline, leading to irreparable harm. The condition of other Armenian detainees in Azerbaijan, who are being subjected to unjust treatment and ethnically motivated persecution, is equally alarming.

In this situation, the International Committee of the Red Cross, as an independent humanitarian organization, is obligated to act in accordance with its mandate and the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. Therefore, we urge you to:

• Conduct an immediate visit to Ruben Vardanyan for an independent medical assessment.
• Ensure impartial monitoring of his health and guarantee access to necessary medical care.
• Address the reasons for his hunger strike and mediate to protect his fundamental rights. Special attention should be given to the visible injuries on his face, which require thorough investigation, as Azerbaijan bears a particular responsibility in this matter.
• Provide an objective report on the conditions of Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian detainees, ensuring compliance with international standards.
• Take effective measures to end the hunger strike while addressing the concerns that led to this drastic action. Given the urgency of the issue, the next ICRC visit must not come too late.
• Conduct regular visits to all Armenian detainees in Azerbaijani prisons to ensure their fair treatment.
• Act as an independent mediator between Armenian detainees and Azerbaijani authorities to uphold international humanitarian law and secure their immediate release.

The ICRC holds a unique mandate for the protection of detainees, making its intervention in this case not only justified but also imperative. Your role is particularly crucial in monitoring the treatment of detainees facing politically motivated prosecution and violations of international humanitarian law, which are core principles of the Geneva Conventions.

We hope this issue will be given top priority and that immediate action will be taken to prevent potential tragic consequences," the letter states.

In a phone call with his family, Ruben Vardanyan stated that his hunger strike is a form of protest against the ongoing judicial farce in Baku. During his last court session, his condition worsened. Vardanyan emphasized that the entire process is politically motivated, as he is being prosecuted solely for exercising his internationally recognized rights to freedom of expression and political participation in defense of the Armenian population of Artsakh.