Rights groups call for protection of Armenian prisoners

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Network of Civil Society Organizations for the Protection of the Rights of Displaced Persons from Artsakh has issued an urgent appeal to the international community, calling for immediate intervention to safeguard the fundamental rights of Ruben Vardanyan, the former State Minister of Artsakh, and other illegally detained Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan.

The network urges international organizations to ensure independent medical examinations for Vardanyan and other detainees.

“The Network of Civil Society Organizations for the Protection of the Rights of Displaced Persons from Artsakh expresses deep concern over the systemic violations of the fundamental rights and freedoms of Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian political prisoners held in Azerbaijan.

According to credible sources, Vardanyan, who has been on a hunger strike for more than a week, is experiencing a severe deterioration in his health. During the February 25 court session, clear signs of his worsening physical condition were observed. However, the trial continued, ignoring the serious risks to his health. Publicly circulated photographs reveal evident signs of mistreatment, possible torture, and inhumane or degrading treatment, constituting clear violations of Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and Articles 2 and 12 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture (UNCAT).

After 18 months of unlawful detention, Ruben Vardanyan resorted to a hunger strike as a desperate measure to draw international attention to the systematic violations of his fundamental rights. The persecution of Vardanyan and other Armenian political detainees by Azerbaijani authorities is clearly politically motivated and demonstrates ethnic discrimination by state authorities.

On February 19, 2025, during a brief phone call from a Baku prison to his family, Vardanyan reported violations of his right to a fair trial, including:

• Presumption of innocence and right to remain silent violated – he was coerced into signing documents allegedly containing false information, in breach of Article 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and Article 6 of the ECHR.
• Violation of the right to prepare a proper defense – he was denied access to legal assistance and the right to confidential communication with his lawyer.
• Breach of the prohibition of torture and ill-treatment – he has been subjected to mistreatment and physical abuse, violating Articles 2, 12, and 16 of the UNCAT.
• Restriction on communication with family – violating the UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (Nelson Mandela Rules).
• Procedural violations in the trial – the court proceedings are taking place with serious procedural breaches, disregarding fundamental principles of international humanitarian law and human rights law.

The Network of Civil Society Organizations for the Protection of the Rights of Displaced Persons from Artsakh urges the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and other international human rights bodies to intervene immediately to ensure:

• Independent medical examination and health monitoring of Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian political detainees in Azerbaijan, in line with the UN Principles of Medical Ethics for the Protection of Prisoners and the Nelson Mandela Rules.
• Independent and effective investigation of mistreatment and potential torture, as mandated by Article 12 of the UNCAT.
• Fair trial proceedings in compliance with international standards, with independent monitoring of court hearings to uphold judicial independence.
• Immediate release of all Armenian prisoners of war and civilian detainees subjected to political persecution and ethnic discrimination, in accordance with Article 3 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the 1977 Additional Protocols.

“We call on the international community, human rights organizations, and governments to take a firm stance against Azerbaijan and demand an end to the systemic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. The lack of international response will only deepen the climate of impunity and may lead to irreversible consequences,” the statement reads.

The appeal has been signed by:

• Network of Civil Society Organizations for the Protection of the Rights of Displaced Persons from Artsakh
• Armenian Lawyers’ Association
• Harmony NGO
• Hadrut De-occupation NGO
• Return to Kashatagh NGO
• Shushi De-occupation NGO
• Kumayri Artsakh Armenians NGO
• Return to Karvachar NGO
• Krunk NGO for the Protection of Artsakh Armenians' Rights
• Askerantsi Community Development Center NGO
• Hayka Social, Security, and Development NGO
• Lusastgh NGO

Ruben Vardanyan has launched a hunger strike in protest against the judicial process orchestrated against him in Azerbaijan. His international lawyer, Jared Genser, has warned of severe risks to Vardanyan’s health and safety. Vardanyan’s son also released a video message, asserting that his father has been subjected to torture.