Approximately one-fifth of the Latvian Parliament (Saeima) members have issued a statement emphasizing that the verdict against Ruben Vardanyan should consider not only local aspects but also international implications. The MPs highlight the global scale of Vardanyan’s criminal activities, referring to him as “Putin’s sponsor” and a supporter of separatism, and they demand a severe sentence. They also express hope that the ruling against Vardanyan will serve as a lesson for Kremlin-backed separatists in the post-Soviet region.
Speaking on ARB24 Television about the issue, human rights defender Ahmed Shahidov stated that the ongoing trial of Ruben Vardanyan and other Armenian defendants in Baku is unprecedented in the post-Soviet space and demonstrates Azerbaijan’s bold stance against international terrorism and separatism. He noted that Azerbaijan’s efforts in this fight are being closely observed and praised by several Baltic states.
