“A well-known philanthropist who devoted his life to humanitarian and cul-tural projects, former state minister of Artsakh Ruben Vardanyan, was de-tained exactly one month ago.

The Armenian Assembly condemns the illegal abduction of Ruben Vardanyan by Azerbaijan at an illegal checkpoint in the Lachin corridor on September 27.

There charges faced are absurd and the prominent philanthropist is now look-ing at up to 14 years in prison.

Ruben Vardanyan’s humanitarian contributions are invaluable for the Armeni-an and international community.

He abandoned his everyday life and travelled to Artsakh to facilitate its devel-opment and share all hardships of the blockade and war with residents of the republic. Ruben Vardanyan was determined to help find a peaceful solution to the conflict.

We believe that justice will prevail, that Ruben Vardanyan will be free and re-turn to his family soon!”