Aliyev faces backlash over Armenian detainees

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta has published an in-depth article on Ruben Vardanyan, the former State Minister of Artsakh and philanthropist currently imprisoned in Baku on fabricated charges. The article includes an interview with Vardanyan’s international human rights lawyer, Jared Genser.

Genser confirmed that Vardanyan’s health has stabilized since ending his hunger strike on March 12, according to a report by Aravot.

“As I detailed in my statement, his hunger strike lasted 23 days, seriously affecting his health. He lost more than 6 kg, and his blood pressure rose to a dangerous level—140/110—equivalent to stage 2 hypertension. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) played a vital role in providing medical support. However, Aliyev’s decision to expel the ICRC from Azerbaijan now jeopardizes both continued medical care and contact with his family.”

Genser emphasized that efforts are ongoing not only for Vardanyan but also for other Armenian Christian political prisoners detained in Azerbaijan. “International pressure on President Ilham Aliyev has increased significantly in recent months,” he noted.

Addressing why the West appears passive regarding the rights of Armenian prisoners, Genser disagreed with that view: “I don’t believe that assessment is fair. While that may have been true before, there has been clear progress in recent months. In October of last year, during his campaign, President Donald Trump described Aliyev’s actions against the people of Artsakh as ethnic cleansing and pledged to defend persecuted Christians if re-elected. Since then, the Trump administration has consistently supported this position, both publicly and through private diplomacy.”

“For instance, on March 16, 2025, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz made a public statement on the issue. Besides actions by Trump’s administration, we must also acknowledge recent initiatives by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the European Union. On March 3, UN Commissioner Volker Türk called for the immediate release of Armenian detainees, and on March 12, the EU issued a joint resolution condemning the show trials against Armenian captives,” Genser added.

Asked whether Trump’s administration could directly intervene in Vardanyan’s case, Genser said it already views the release of political prisoners as a top priority.

“I don’t believe President Trump will support any peace agreement unless prisoners are freed beforehand or at the moment of signing. I am certain that this message has been conveyed to Aliyev by the Trump administration and other concerned actors. If Aliyev fails to respond appropriately, there will be specific consequences. If I were in Aliyev’s position, I’d be very concerned—Trump is not the type of leader to take gradual or conventional steps. As seen during his presidency, he may resort to unexpected, disproportionate, or even harsh actions,” said Genser.

U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz has reportedly told Azerbaijani National Security Advisor Hikmet Hajiyev that prisoners must be freed and the peace deal with Armenia finalized.

Jared Genser has urged Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan to carefully review recent statements by Donald Trump and Michael Waltz.