Figaro: Vardanyan’s family deeply concerned about his health

PanARMENIAN.Net - French newspaper Figaro has reported on the hunger strike of Ruben Vardanyan, the former Artsakh state minister, who was captured by Azerbaijan in 2023 alongside other officials during Baku’s military offensive.

According to Factor.am , on March 11, an Azerbaijani media outlet published a photograph of Vardanyan, in which he appears significantly emaciated.

The article highlights that for those familiar with Vardanyan’s previously round and cheerful face, the image, circulated by Azerbaijani state media, has caused deep concern.

The Russian-Armenian businessman, who briefly led the Artsakh government in 2022, appeared in a military tribunal in a visibly weakened state, nearly a month after beginning his hunger strike.

Figaro emphasizes that Vardanyan, who returned from Russia after the 2020 war to support the Armenians of Artsakh amid Azerbaijan’s threats, was captured in September 2023 during Baku’s military operation.

On January 17, he and 15 other former Artsakh officials, also taken prisoner, faced Baku’s military court on charges of "terrorism," "separatism," and "war crimes." The hearings have been closed to journalists, observers, and international organizations.

In early March, Vardanyan released an audio message through his family, explaining his decision to start a hunger strike.

His son, Davit Vardanyan, who is occasionally able to speak with him by phone, stated that the family is more worried than ever. However, Ruben Vardanyan remains convinced that the hunger strike is his only option.

Former Artsakh representative in France, Hovhannes Gevorgyan, commented: "There is no doubt that Azerbaijan's president is willing to let Ruben Vardanyan die."

In an audio message relayed through his family, Ruben Vardanyan, currently imprisoned in Baku on fabricated charges, stated that he has always acted according to his moral principles and never betrayed them, even in the most difficult moments.

"I knew what I was facing, I was prepared, and I remain prepared for even worse conditions. I am not a victim, and I do not need pity—this is a conscious decision," he said.