Ruben Vardanyan, a prominent businessman, philanthropist and former state minister of Artsakh, sentenced by a Baku court to 20 years in prison on what his supporters describe as fabricated charges, has decided not to appeal the verdict, his family said.

In a statement, the family noted that it is impossible to defend one’s rights in a system that from the outset denies the right to a fair trial.

They said they will continue to seek justice through international legal mechanisms and other international bodies.

“This decision does not mean agreement with the verdict and does not signify a refusal of defense. It is a conscious refusal to legitimize a process that from the beginning had nothing to do with justice.

What took place during the hearings was not a trial but a staged performance. The sessions were held behind closed doors, independent observers were not allowed to attend, and motions were ignored.

The full text of the verdict was not announced in the courtroom. As of the publication of this statement, neither Ruben nor his family had been provided with the official written text of the verdict with a proper translation, which constitutes yet another serious procedural violation and does not even allow a formal understanding of the grounds for the 20-year sentence.

An appeal makes sense only where there is an opportunity to correct errors of the court of first instance. However, when the violations are systemic and concern the fundamental principles of justice, an appeal turns into yet another instrument legitimizing unlawful prosecution.

Under these circumstances, applying to a higher court would mean recognizing that the judicial process meets at least minimal legal standards, which is not the case.

Ruben consciously refuses to participate in the imitation of a judicial process. He does not recognize the verdict as a legal act of justice and considers it part of a politically motivated and unlawful prosecution, which amounts to a denial of justice.

The refusal to appeal is not the end of the struggle, but a refusal to take part in a farce,” the statement said.

A Baku court sentenced Vardanyan to 20 years in prison. Amnesty International described the verdict as a mockery of justice. Jared Genser called on U.S. President Donald Trump to fulfill his public promise to help secure the release of Armenian detainees.