Billionaire on trial in Azerbaijan who risks being left behind by peace deal

Ruben Vardanyan, a prominent businessman from Armenia, is currently facing serious legal troubles in Azerbaijan. He is on trial for war crimes, which are serious accusations related to the long-standing conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over the region of Nagorno-Karabakh. In a recent court appearance, Vardanyan was seen with visible bruises on his forehead, raising concerns about his treatment while in custody. Despite being one of the wealthiest individuals in Armenia, his financial resources seem to offer him little protection against the potential consequences of his trial, which could result in a life sentence. Vardanyan, who is 56 years old, has been charged with 42 counts, including planning and waging war, mercenary activities, and terrorism. His situation marks a significant fall from grace for a man who once enjoyed a successful career in Russia, where he founded the country's first investment bank and was known for his philanthropic efforts in Armenia. He invested heavily in various projects, including a school aimed at attracting international students to Armenia. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he moved to Nagorno-Karabakh in September 2022, a region that has been a source of conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan for decades. Following his arrival, Azerbaijani authorities blocked the only road connecting Nagorno-Karabakh to Armenia, and Vardanyan renounced his Russian citizenship to become the de facto prime minister of the region. His son, David Vardanyan, mentioned that his father sought to raise awareness about the struggles faced by Armenians in Nagorno-Karabakh, conducting numerous interviews with international media. This increased visibility, however, seemed to irritate the Azerbaijani government, which viewed his actions as illegal. In September 2023, Azerbaijan launched a military operation that resulted in the swift takeover of Nagorno-Karabakh, forcing many ethnic Armenians to flee their homes. Vardanyan was arrested while attempting to leave for Armenia during this mass exodus. Since his arrest, he has reportedly spent much of his time in solitary confinement and has gone on hunger strikes to protest what he describes as a lack of due process and allegations of torture. Critics of the trial, including many in Armenia, view it as a politically motivated show trial, with the Azerbaijani government insisting that it is merely fulfilling its responsibility to hold accountable those suspected of war crimes. The European Parliament has also expressed concern over the treatment of Armenian prisoners, calling for their immediate release. As Vardanyan's trial continues, it coincides with ongoing discussions about a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. However, this peace agreement does not address the status of the prisoners, including Vardanyan, which has led to criticism of the Armenian government. Vardanyan himself has warned that his trial is not just about him and the other leaders; it represents a broader struggle for all Armenians. He believes that failing to recognize the significance of this trial could lead to further conflict and tragedy.