“Ruben Vardanyan has made serious allegations of violations of his human rights, including ill-treatment in detention, being forced to sign falsified case files, and being deprived of the opportunity to prepare his defense. The authorities must promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially and effectively investigate these serious allegations and hold those suspected of these violations accountable.

The authorities must grant Ruben Vardanyan full access to his lawyers, as well as adequate time and opportunity to prepare his defense. The international community must closely follow this high-profile case to guarantee Ruben Vardanyan’s right to a fair trial and justice”.