Davit Vardanyan, son of Ruben Vardanyan, spoke to AYPFM Armenian radio in France about his father’s trial, the importance of protecting the rights of the Artsakh people, and international reactions.

He stated that despite torture and threats in Baku, Ruben Vardanyan told his family that defending the rights of the Artsakh people remains his top priority, reports Panorama.am .

"My father is resolute and unyielding, ready to speak the truth despite all risks. On January 17, during the first day of his trial, he proposed a moment of silence to honor all victims of the conflict, regardless of nationality. Despite the situation and the unjust treatment of Armenians, my father insists that our only path is to live in a peaceful world, negotiate, and understand one another," he said.

Vardanyan noted that this trial is neither ordinary nor open, as Azerbaijan has no independent judiciary. He stressed that the only protection for Armenian prisoners of war lies in the actions of the international community and democratic governments.

"For example, my father told me that his lawyer is unable to properly prepare his defense. If the trial is truly open, Azerbaijan should allow French, British, and American journalists to attend and report on what is happening there. However, despite claims of transparency, only Azerbaijani state media is present," he stated.

He also called on the French government to speak out against Azerbaijan’s injustices and to pressure the European Union to halt all dealings with Baku.

"This is not just about Armenia and Azerbaijan. It’s also about Azerbaijan’s treatment of its own citizens. There are over 300 political prisoners in Azerbaijan, and if Baku is allowed to treat Armenian captives this way, it will surely escalate its actions—against Armenia, its own people, and even foreign tourists from France and Europe," he warned.

Beyond France, he expressed hope for the new U.S. administration.

"We had high expectations from the former U.S. president regarding the Armenian Genocide, but he made many promises without taking action. Now, we have hope in the new administration. Donald Trump once stated that he would protect Christians in Nagorno-Karabakh, and we have seen that some of Armenia’s allies have joined his administration. I know that human rights, particularly Christian rights, are important to them, so we are hopeful that this administration and President Trump will help Armenian prisoners," he said.

When asked if they plan to take the case to international courts if the verdict is negative, Vardanyan responded:

"All I can say for now is that we will continue to fight for Azerbaijan to respect Armenian rights. This is crucial, but without international political support, these efforts may not be effective," he stated.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has claimed that former Artsakh military-political leaders detained in Baku are being given psychotropic substances. He cited intelligence reports suggesting that the aim is to provoke escalation. Baku denies these accusations.

On January 16, Ruben Vardanyan stated that since his arrest, he has refused to give any testimony except for his name. He declared that all documents signed under his name are falsified and confirmed that he, his lawyer, and translator have faced pressure.