ArmInfo. Jared Genser, an American lawyer for the world-famous businessman and philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan, who is unjustly imprisoned and illegally convicted, said that the Trump administration will take a hardline stance against Aliyev over Armenian detainees, the Armenian Global Community reports.
Genser emphasized that these trials are part of a broader campaign to dismantle Artsakh's leadership, suppress self-determination efforts, and erase Armenian cultural heritage in the region. According to Genser, Donald Trump's return to the White House marks a turning point. He expressed confidence that in the administration's willingness to adopt tougher policies toward Azerbaijan, including potential sanctions and diplomatic pressure. Genser highlighted Trump's prior condemnation of ethnic cleansing in Artsakh, suggesting a continuity of focus under his leadership.
While optimism about the US involvement, Genser voiced disappointment in the Armenian government's limited efforts to advocate for Vardanyan and other detainees. He called for Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to take a more active role in rallying international support. For the Armenian diaspora, Genser urged specific steps: writing op-eds and engaging with media to amplify awareness; partnering with human rights organizations to pressure governments and institutions; collaborating with other persecuted communities to foster global solidarity. "This is a fight for universal human rights," Genser emphasized, stating that this is not just about Armenians, but also about the fundamental right to dignity and freedom.
Recall that on January 17, the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, began considering the "indictment" against former leaders of Nagorno-Karabakh. The accused include Ruben Vardanyan and three former presidents of Nagorno-Karabakh: Arkady Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan and Arayik Harutyunyan. Also facing the court are former Foreign Minister David Babayan, Speaker of the Parliament David Ishkhanyan, former Commander of the Defense Army General Levon Mnatsakanyan, and General David Manukyan. On January 16, Vardanyan issued a statement demanding the opportunity to fully prepare for the defense, elimination of all violations and falsifications, and a public trial for himself and other accused. "I insist on an open trial with the participation of international journalists and representatives of humanitarian organizations. I am convinced that only a real court, and not a trial, will help take a step forward on the difficult path of building new relations between our peoples," he emphasized.