27th January 2025: The World Must Watch: Ruben Vardanyan’s Fight for Justice

My friend Ruben Vardanyan, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, an Armenian philanthropist and political prisoner, has spent 486 days (today) unjustly detained in Azerbaijan. His trial is now underway—held behind closed doors, shrouded in secrecy, and riddled with violations of due process.

This isn’t just about one man. Ruben’s case is a litmus test for global justice, freedom of the press, and the power of collective action. The time to act is now.

Why the World Must Demand Transparency

Ruben faces 42 charges, some punishable by life imprisonment, yet his defense has been deliberately undermined:

• His lawyer was given only weeks to review 422 volumes of case files, none of which were in Ruben's native language.
• Evidence presented against him has been falsified, with fabricated protocols signed under coercion.
• Requests to make the trial public and include international observers have been ignored.

In Ruben’s own words:

"I insist on the most open trial possible, with the participation of international journalists and representatives of humanitarian organizations. Only through such transparency can the truth prevail."

A Call to Global Journalists and Governments

This is a defining moment for press freedom and human rights. We cannot allow this trial to take place in the shadows. If injustice is allowed to thrive unchallenged, it risks emboldening authoritarian regimes everywhere.

We call on:

• Journalists to demand access to Ruben’s trial and report the truth to the world.
• Governments and international organizations to pressure Azerbaijan to allow independent observers and media into the courtroom.
• Human rights defenders and activists to amplify Ruben’s story, ensuring his voice is heard across the globe.

Why This Matters

Ruben’s fight is a fight for all of us—for the values that underpin freedom, fairness, and accountability. History has shown that when authoritarian regimes silence dissent, the cost is borne by everyone.

By demanding transparency and standing with Ruben, we send a clear message: justice must not hide behind closed doors.

Take Action Today

If you believe in truth, justice, and the power of a free press, now is the time to act. Together, we can ensure that Ruben’s trial is not forgotten and that the world is watching. Share his story, raise your voice, and join us in demanding transparency.

Let’s make sure no voice, no matter how courageous, is silenced in the fight for justice.

Dr. Jan Amrit Poser Dr Guenther Dobrauz-Saldapenna Sanjay Banerjee Anirudh Mohan Christian Kingombe Christin ter Braak-Forstinger, Dr., LL.M. Kevin Harrington Stefan Calefice Stefan Mathey Stephen Brenninkmeijer Don Brenninkmeijer Jan Peter Balkenende Ameenah Gurib-Fakim Karin Fuchs-H?seli Ashok Khosla Dr. Ash Pachauri Ivan Ransom Dr. Marta Ra Henrik Nordborg Anna Stünzi Aniruddhe Mukerjee Siddhartha Banerjee Aditi Banerjee Gurminder Singh Khalsa Audrey Selian Gurvinder Singh Ahluwalia Marina Akopian Hrachya Aghajanyan

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