Aurora foundation condemns unjust sentence on Ruben Vardanyan, demand his immediate release

ArmInfo. Below is a statement  by Armine Afeyan and the Aurora Humanitarian Foundation on the  Sentencing of Ruben Vardanyan 

We strongly condemn the unjust conviction and 20-year prison sentence  imposed on Aurora Humanitarian Initiative Co-Founder Ruben Vardanyan. 

  We call for Ruben's immediate release and urge the international  community to stand firm in defending the principles of justice, human  rights, and due process.  

The charges against Ruben, tied to his humanitarian work in  Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh), represent a troubling disregard for  fundamental human rights. For decades, Ruben has been a tireless  advocate for education, humanitarian aid, and social progress,  dedicating his life to strengthening communities and advancing human  dignity. His co-founding of the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative in  2015 was a testament to his unwavering commitment to honoring those  who risk their lives to protect others.  

This verdict, delivered by a military court in Azerbaijan, is not  only a profound injustice but also a painful moment for his family,  who have endured immense hardship throughout this ordeal. Our  thoughts are with his wife, children, and grandchild, who continue to  show remarkable strength in the face of such adversity.  

Ruben's work, especially during a time of escalating conflict,  reflects the very values upon which Aurora was built: compassion,  courage, and a steadfast belief in the power of humanity. His  sentence sends a concerning message to those who dedicate their lives  to humanitarian action, particularly at a time when the region faces  significant challenges, with tens of thousands displaced and in need  of urgent assistance.  

We remain committed to supporting Ruben's family, advocating for his  freedom, and defending the rights of all those unjustly detained.  

Aurora was founded to shine a light on acts of courage and humanity,   even in the darkest times.  

Ruben - your legacy continues to inspire us, and we will not waver in  our efforts to see justice served.

As a reminder, Vardanyan and seven other former and current Artsakh  officials have been held in Azerbaijani captivity since late  September 2023, in violation of all international law.

The international community ignores the fact that Artsakh officials  are in Azerbaijani captivity. The exact number of Armenian prisoners  of war and hostages held in Azerbaijani prisons remains unknown.  Experts estimate the number to be several hundred. Today, Azerbaijani  authorities confirm the presence of 19 Armenians in their custody.  Among those held in Azerbaijani captivity are former Artsakh  presidents Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan;  former Foreign Minister Davit Babayan; as well as Parliament Speaker  Davit Ishkhanyan; former Commander of the Artsakh Defense Army  General Levon Mnatsakanyan; General David Manukyan; and former State  Minister Ruben Vardanyan.

On February 17, an Azerbaijani puppet court sentenced former Artsakh  state minister and renowned philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan to 20  years in prison. On February 5, Arayik Harutyunyan, David Babayan,  David Ishkhanyan, David Manukyan, and Levon Mnatsakanyan were  sentenced to life imprisonment on similar fabricated charges, while  Bako Sahakyan and Arkady Ghukasyan were sentenced to 20 years in  prison. The so-called court sentenced the remaining Artsakh residents  to up to 15 years in prison.