Armenia’s Human Rights Defender’s Office, addressing the treatment of Armenians unlawfully detained in Azerbaijan, particularly the deterioration of Ruben Vardanyan’s health and allegations of torture, has stated that all actors with relevant mandates must take urgent and appropriate measures to resolve the issue.

"Through social media monitoring, alarming reports have surfaced regarding Ruben Vardanyan’s deteriorating health and mistreatment. The Ombudsman has repeatedly emphasized that the actions taken against unlawfully detained Armenians in Azerbaijan are not merely concerning but represent severe violations of universal human rights principles and international legal standards," the Ombudsman's office stated, according to Armenpress.

Following instructions from Human Rights Defender Anahit Manasyan, relevant actions have been carried out and are ongoing within the Ombudsman’s office’s mandate. At the same time, given the sensitivity of the issue, the office has decided not to disclose certain details in order to uphold the "do no harm" principle.

The Ombudsman’s office reaffirmed its commitment to addressing these issues with international human rights organizations, urging all relevant stakeholders to take immediate action.

"We emphasize that all actors with mandates in this field must take urgent and appropriate steps to address the issue," the statement concluded.

Ruben Vardanyan has been on a hunger strike for a week. During his last court hearing, his condition reportedly worsened significantly.

His international lawyer, Jared Genser, has warned that Vardanyan’s health is at serious risk, calling on world leaders and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to condemn the trial as "political and unlawful."

Vardanyan’s son, David Vardanyan, has urged action against sham trials in Baku, which target not only his father but also other Armenian detainees.