In a high-profile legal decision, Armenian-born billionaire and ex-Nagorno-Karabakh official Ruben Vardanyan was handed a 20-year prison term by a military court in Azerbaijan on Tuesday, convicted of a broad range of charges including terrorism, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The sentence marks a significant moment in the ongoing regional dispute following Azerbaijan’s reassertion of control over Nagorno-Karabakh in 2023.
Hefty Sentence on Charges of Terrorism and War Crimes
A Baku military court found Vardanyan guilty on dozens of counts related to terrorism, participation in illegal armed groups, and breaches of international humanitarian law. Prosecutors had originally sought life imprisonment, but the judge ultimately imposed a 20-year sentence. Vardanyan, 57, has consistently denied all allegations against him.
The convicted billionaire served as the second-in-command in the self-declared Nagorno-Karabakh administration between 2022 and 2023. The breakaway region, predominantly populated by ethnic Armenians, was reintegrated under Azerbaijani control in late 2023 after decades of conflict.
Family Reaction and Accusations of Unfair Trial
Vardanyan’s family has decried the verdict as predetermined and politically motivated, appealing for international intervention to secure his release. Throughout his detention and legal proceedings, Vardanyan staged multiple hunger strikes, asserting that his trial lacked basic standards of fairness and transparency.
His son described the judgment as “horrifying but expected,” highlighting concerns over the closed nature of the hearings and restricted access for defense counsel. Despite appeals from Armenia and diplomatic pressure from global powers, Azerbaijani officials have indicated there will be no pardon for former Karabakh leaders.
Regional Impact and Diplomatic Tensions
The sentencing of Vardanyan comes amid efforts by international actors, including the United States, to foster stability and peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan after years of violent clashes over Nagorno-Karabakh. Azerbaijani authorities maintain that prosecuting former separatist leaders is essential to asserting sovereignty and justice following the conflict.
While Yerevan has expressed concern over the outcome, Baku remains firm that all individuals convicted in connection with the former Karabakh administration must face legal accountability. The case underscores the ongoing complexities in resolving long-standing disputes in the South Caucasus region.
