The World Watches in Silence as Azerbaijan Stages a Show Trial Against Ruben Vardanyan and 15 Armenian POWs

The mock trial of Ruben Vardanyan, former State Minister of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh), resumed this morning in the Baku Military Court. Despite Azerbaijan's claims that the trial is open to the public, only members of Azerbaijani state media were present in the courtroom. Independent journalists, foreign embassy representatives, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) were notably absent, raising significant concerns about transparency and due process.

This case remains separate from the ongoing trial of former Artsakh presidents and other political prisoners, which also took place today before the same judge in the same court. While Azerbaijani authorities continue to control the trial’s narrative, reports indicate that selective information is being released to the public.

The website FreeArmenianPrisoners.com reports the lack of transparency, stating, "There is no evidence that independent NGOs or journalists or foreign embassy representatives were allowed to attend the proceeding." The absence of independent observers continues to cast doubt on the legitimacy of the trial and the fairness of the judicial process.

Azerbaijani state media have been accused of cherry-picking reports from the trial, selectively publishing testimonies that align with government narratives. For instance, lawyer Siranush Sahakyan, a human rights attorney representing Armenian prisoners of war (POWs), revealed to The Armenian Report in an interview that Vardanyan pled not guilty in his first hearing. Additionally, he requested a moment of silence to honor all victims of the conflict, regardless of nationality. However, none of this was reported by Azerbaijani media. Instead, they emphasized the so-called testimony of former Artsakh president Arayik Harutyunyan, who allegedly issued an apology—an assertion disputed by independent sources.

According to Sahakyan, Vardanyan's trial has been riddled with procedural violations:

• The court disqualified the translator due to previous gross errors, including references to Belarusian legislation instead of Azerbaijani law.

• Vardanyan’s case comprises more than 420 volumes of documents, all in Azerbaijani, without written translations provided.

• The defendant is deprived of the opportunity to make written notes on the translated portions, further hindering his defense.

• Motions for proper translations, access to legal documents, review of video evidence, and internet access were all denied by the court.

In the parallel trial of 15 Armenian political prisoners, including former Artsakh President Arayik Harutyunyan and former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan, officials denied reports that the prisoners were subjected to poor conditions and pressure. However, Sahakyan argued that their defensive statements suggest otherwise. The hearings for these prisoners have been adjourned to February 7 and 10.

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Timeline of Key Events

January 17, 2025 - First Hearing

The first hearing in Vardanyan’s case took place at the Baku Military Court, despite the fact that international law prohibits civilians from being tried in military courts. The trial was officially declared open to the public, yet international press, foreign embassies, and civil society observers were barred from attending.

During this session:

• A motion to postpone the trial was granted but did not address the underlying procedural abuses.

• The indictment and supposed evidence were classified as state secrets, limiting Vardanyan’s ability to mount a proper defense.

• The court denied a motion to consolidate his case with other political prisoners.

• The court ordered that Vardanyan be provided a tablet containing the indictment in Russian and access to a translator, though these measures were deemed insufficient.

• Investigators were accused of falsifying interrogation protocols, which Vardanyan refused to sign.
  

January 27, 2025 - Second Hearing

At the second hearing, heightened security measures restricted access to the courtroom. Only pre-approved observers were allowed entry, and independent monitors remained excluded.

Key developments included:

• A confidential meeting between Vardanyan and his lawyer was allowed, though severely time-restricted.

• Multiple motions were dismissed without explanation, including requests for a trial postponement and permission to file defamation suits.

• Vardanyan addressed the court, detailing procedural violations and restrictions imposed on his defense, including:
  

  • Only 23 days granted to review 422 volumes of evidence.

  • Lack of translated documents.

  • Inability to properly review video evidence.

  • Restrictions on legal correspondence.

  • No internet access, significantly hindering his ability to prepare a defense.
    

• Vardanyan once again honored all victims of the conflict and emphasized his commitment to defending the truth.

• The court blocked his attempt to sue Azerbaijani newspaper Bakinskiy Rabochiy for defamation.

• He formally rejected the state-appointed lawyer, citing a lack of legal assistance. The prosecution insisted on retaining the lawyer despite Vardanyan’s objections.
  

The next hearing is scheduled for February 7, 2025, at 10 AM Baku time.

International Condemnation and Calls for Justice

The international community continues to express concern over the legitimacy of these proceedings. Human rights organizations have condemned Azerbaijan’s treatment of Armenian political prisoners, calling for their immediate and unconditional release.

Vardanyan’s legal team, along with his family and international supporters, continue to demand full transparency and adherence to legal norms.

As the trial progresses, questions surrounding due process, transparency, and Azerbaijan’s broader treatment of Armenian detainees remain at the forefront. The coming hearings will be critical in determining not only Vardanyan’s fate but also the broader implications for justice and human rights in the region.