BAKU,
Azerbaijan, Jan. 17,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- I would like to address the
global community, to those who care about what is happening in our
region, those opposed to religious persecution worldwide and those
who wish for a lasting and genuine peace.
I, Ruben Vardanyan, have been
detained at the Detention Center of the State Security Service of
the Republic of Azerbaijan since
September 27, 2023 – more than 470
days in total, including 340 days in solitary confinement and 23
days in a punishment cell. I would like to make an official
statement before the start of the trial. If you are reading these
words, it means that I have exhausted all other means to convey the
truth about what is happening here.
A court hearing of my case is scheduled for January 17 at 3:00
PM. I have been informed that I am facing 42 charges, some
of which carry sentences up to life imprisonment. However, I have
not been granted the opportunity to fully review the official
indictment. My lawyer and I were merely allowed to skim through 422
volumes of the case files, all written solely in the Azerbaijani
language, which I do not understand, within a very short timeframe
– from December 9, 2024, to
January 8, 2025. I only received the
list of charges in Russian on January 8,
2025.
Moreover, pressure has been exerted on me, my lawyer, and my
interpreter to force us to backdate and sign documents, including
falsified protocols and records of interrogations that never took
place.
I officially declare: I have given no testimony since the day of
my arrest, except during the first interrogation, where I only
stated my name and surname. Let me reiterate: all protocols bearing
my signature are falsifications. These documents do not exist in
reality. My lawyer and interpreter were coerced into signing these
documents.
I once again reiterate and state my complete innocence and the
innocence of my Armenian compatriots also being held as political
prisoners and demand an immediate end to this politically motivated
case against us.
Despite our innocence and the political motivation of this
trial, it is most likely that the prosecutor will ignore my plea
and pursue a trial against us, in which case I demand and ask for
your support in ensuring that I am afforded the following:
- Allow me and my lawyer adequate time and opportunity to
prepare for my defense. In particular, provide us with the
opportunity to thoroughly review the case materials in a language I
understand.
- Eliminate all procedural violations and falsifications.
Specifically, deem inadmissible all falsified documents and records
of interrogations that never took place, as I have not provided any
testimony since the day of my arrest.
- Make my trial, and those of the Armenian political
prisoners, public. I insist on the most open trial possible,
with the participation of international journalists and
representatives of humanitarian organizations.
- Consolidate my case with the cases of the others
accused. More than 400 of the 422 volumes in my case concern
episodes from the general case of which only 6 are specifically
related to false accusations against me. Separating my case into a
separate proceeding is an artificial and unfounded decision.
I bear no anger or hatred. On the contrary, I genuinely
empathize with all those who violate laws, moral principles, and
the teachings of the Quran and other holy texts.
I am convinced that true peace will only be possible when
the leaders of the countries involved in the conflict, with the
support of their societies, can come together to lay flowers on the
graves of all those who perished in this war.
I promise to do everything possible to ensure this happens
during my lifetime. As the great Mahatma Gandhi said, the
only way to save the world from self-destruction is to live by the
principles of nonviolence, truth, and love. Through compassion
for all people, regardless of their skin color, nationality, or
religion, we can achieve true peace.
Thank you all for your support! I love and thank you all for
your kindness toward me. Know that I am standing strong and believe
that the truth will prevail.
Ruben Vardanyan
For additional information go to
www.freearmenianprisoners.com
For further information, please contact:
rv@havas.com or freearmenianprisoners@edelman.com
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SOURCE Free Armenian Prisoners
