Ruben Vardanyan Nominated for 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for Humanitarian Efforts While Being Detained in Azerbaijan

Ruben Vardanyan, renowned for his extensive charitable and humanitarian works, has been nominated for the prestigious 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. The nomination, backed by several influential figures, including a Nobel laureate, recognizes Vardanyan's significant contributions to various humanitarian causes.

Confirming the nomination, Vardanyan's office emphasized his profound commitment to philanthropy and highlighted the vast scope of his projects across Armenia, Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), and the broader Armenian community. Over the years, Vardanyan and his team have spearheaded approximately 700 initiatives spanning diverse areas such as humanitarian aid, education, cultural heritage preservation, tourism, and infrastructure development.

Vardanyan's dedication to humanitarian efforts became even more evident in September 2022 when he relocated to Artsakh. Shortly thereafter, he assumed the role of Minister of State of Artsakh, demonstrating his commitment to serving the region. Despite stepping down from his ministerial position in February 2023, Vardanyan remained committed in his support for Artsakh, leveraging his organization, the We Are Our Mountains agency, to provide essential assistance to the local population, particularly during the Azerbaijani blockade.

However, Vardanyan's unconditional solidarity with the people of Artsakh led to his unjust capture by Azerbaijani authorities on September 27, 2023. He was captured during the mass exodus following military operations initiated by Azerbaijan, forcing Vardanyan and numerous others to flee the capital city of Stepanakert and seek refuge in Armenia. However, at the Hakari bridge checkpoint on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, Vardanyan was apprehended and subsequently detained in Baku, the Azerbaijani capital.

Azerbaijani law enforcement agencies have levied unsubstantiated charges against Vardanyan, including allegations of financing terrorism, establishing illegal armed groups, and illegal border crossing. These accusations, widely regarded as fabricated, threaten to incarcerate Vardanyan for up to 14 years, casting a shadow over his humanitarian legacy.

Despite facing adversity, Vardanyan's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize serves as a testament to his tireless efforts in promoting peace, compassion, and human dignity. As the international community rallies behind his cause, calls for Vardanyan's release grow louder, showing the urgency of addressing his unjust detention and upholding the principles of justice and humanitarianism.