Baku sentences Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison

Baku has sentenced former Artsakh State Minister Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison.

Earlier, Azerbaijani media reported that the court had adjourned for deliberations in order to deliver a final verdict.

Azerbaijan abducted Ruben Vardanyan on Sept. 27, 2023, as he was crossing the Hakari Bridge in Artsakh.

A criminal case was opened against him on charges including “crimes against peace and humanity,” “war crimes,” as well as “terrorism” and “financing of terrorism,” among other articles.