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Baku Prosecutor Seeks Life Sentence for Ruben Vardanyan

Vardanyan says he will not take part in proceedings he calls an imitation of justice.

Overview

  • He faces more than 40 counts, including financing terrorism, creating illegal armed groups, illegal border crossing, murder and a violent attempt to seize power.
  • His family published on December 18 the statement he intends to deliver as his final word, asserting he does not recognize the court.
  • Azerbaijani authorities say his procedural rights, including access to defense and use of a language he knows, have been provided.
  • He was detained on September 27, 2023 at the ArmeniaKarabakh border while attempting to leave after Azerbaijan reestablished control over the region.
  • The case, tried in a Baku military court alongside other former Karabakh leaders, began in January 2025 and has held more than 20 hearings with defendants testifying.