Former Nagorno-Karabakh Head Facing 45 New Charges

The Azerbaijani prosecutor's office has brought 45 new charges under 20 articles against the former head of the self-proclaimed Nagorno-Karabakh Republic, Ruben Vardanyan, Orda reports, citing Radio Liberty's Armenian service.

Vardanyan could face a life sentence.

The case materials consist of 25,000 pages and 100 volumes. They are reportedly inaccessible to the public and Vardanyan. Vardanyan and his lawyers are unable to receive copies of the alleged evidence.

The reason is the charges concerning 'the national security of Azerbaijan.'" The restriction limits the defense's capabilities.

In 2022, Vardanyan renounced Russian citizenship and moved to Nagorno-Karabakh. On November 4, 2022, he became its Prime Minister. He left this post in February 2023.

The former official was arrested by Azerbaijani border guards at the Hakkari Bridge checkpoint on September 27, 2023, following the Azerbaijan's military operation against Nagorno-Karabakh that resulted in its dissolution.