Protest in Yerevan Demands Justice for Ruben Vardanyan and Other Armenian POWs Held in Azerbaijan

A demonstration took place in front of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) office in Yerevan. Protesters are calling for the immediate release of former Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) State Minister Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenians held captive in Azerbaijan. Human rights activists, public figures, and concerned citizens have gathered to demand international intervention and justice for those imprisoned under what they call unfair and inhumane conditions.

One of the prominent voices at the protest is Larisa Alaverdyan, Armenia’s first Human Rights Defender and Executive Director of the "Foundation Against the Violation of Law." Alaverdyan strongly condemned Azerbaijan’s actions, emphasizing that not only are individuals being targeted, but international law itself is under attack.

“International humanitarian law is being violated in an unprecedented manner. Azerbaijan is not only ignoring these laws but is actively working against them. Meanwhile, the Armenian government is failing to take appropriate action and is instead making statements that serve the Turkish-Azerbaijani agenda against Armenians,” she stated.

The European Union’s Eastern Partnership (EaP) Civil Society Forum has also issued a statement, revealing shocking details about the treatment of Armenian prisoners in Azerbaijan. According to their findings, Ruben Vardanyan has been subjected to extreme forms of torture. It is reported that his head was tied with iron, squeezed, and he endured severe physical and psychological torment.

The statement lists the growing number of Armenian captives in Azerbaijan. While Baku officially acknowledges the imprisonment of 23 individuals, human rights organizations have documented evidence of at least 80 detainees. These prisoners are reportedly facing abusive conditions and unjust trials.

The situation in Baku’s courts has been described as a “mockery of justice,” with allegations that the trials of Armenian military and political leaders are designed for political revenge rather than legal proceedings. Vardanyan himself has spoken about the procedural violations in his case, calling the trial fundamentally unfair and deeply flawed.

In protest of his unjust imprisonment, Ruben Vardanyan began a hunger strike on February 20. His health rapidly deteriorated, leading to the interruption of a court proceeding on February 26. His son, David Vardanyan, has since released a video statement, urging global action to stop the mistreatment of his father and other Armenian detainees.

Medical professionals warn that Vardanyan’s current condition poses a severe threat to his life. Citing the UN Convention against Torture and international medical ethics, doctors and human rights advocates are calling for urgent intervention by international organizations, including the Red Cross and the United Nations.

The EaP Civil Society Forum, along with various Armenian and international organizations, is demanding swift action from governments and institutions worldwide. They have called on the Armenian government, the country’s National Assembly, foreign embassies in Armenia, and diaspora organizations to strongly condemn Azerbaijan’s actions and push for the captives’ release.

Furthermore, international bodies such as the UN Security Council, the OSCE, the European Union, the Council of Europe, and the leaders of G7 countries are being urged to take decisive steps. The protesters and human rights groups want these organizations to pressure Azerbaijan into ending its alleged human rights abuses and respecting international humanitarian laws.

As part of their statement, the EaP Civil Society Forum also made a direct appeal to Ruben Vardanyan. They acknowledged his strength and resilience but urged him to end his hunger strike, emphasizing the need for him to remain healthy and continue fighting for justice. Quoting his own words from prison—"Stand strong, endure, and believe in the victory of truth"—they encouraged him to persevere through other means.

The ongoing demonstrations in Yerevan reflect the deep concern and frustration of Armenians worldwide. Many fear that if these human rights violations continue unchecked, it will set a dangerous precedent for future conflicts in the region.

With growing international attention on this issue, it remains to be seen whether diplomatic pressure will lead to the release of Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian captives. Until then, protesters vow to continue their demonstrations, ensuring that the plight of their fellow Armenians remains in the global spotlight.