Azerbaijan's Ombudsman responded to Ruben Vardanyan's slander

Armenian media have circulated a report claiming that Ruben Vardanyan allegedly attempted to contact Azerbaijan's Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva, but the phone call was interrupted. The publication, prepared with reference to his family members, also contains other claims.

In this regard, musavat.com sent an inquiry to the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights of the Republic of Azerbaijan. In the response, the institution noted that Ombudsman Sabina Aliyeva and members of the National Preventive Group have repeatedly visited the facility where persons of Armenian origin, including Ruben Vardanyan, are held.

It was emphasized that the purpose of these visits was to verify the compliance of detention conditions and treatment of detainees with international standards. Information based on the results of the visits had previously been published on the ombudsman's official website, social media, and in the press.

The Ombudsman's Office stated that at all stages of the investigation and trial, the defendants' rights to defense were fully ensured. According to the institution, the provision of legal counsel, preparation of defense strategy, and participation in court hearings were carried out in accordance with the requirements of legislation and international standards.

It was also reported that Sabina Aliyeva and members of the National Preventive Group held several confidential meetings with the accused of Armenian origin, including Ruben Vardanyan. Issues concerning their detention conditions and treatment, as noted, were under constant monitoring.

According to the response, during the visits, the accused were informed of their rights in their native language, their health conditions were checked, and printed materials and legislative acts in the Armenian language were provided. A physician and a psychologist — members of the National Preventive Group — participated in the monitoring visits.

The Ombudsman's Office stated that during individual meetings and medical examinations, the detained persons, including Ruben Vardanyan, expressed gratitude for the reception and reported that they were treated humanely, were not subjected to discrimination or ill-treatment, and were provided with normal detention conditions and medical care.

In addition, during the on-site visits, issues of personal hygiene, sanitation, nutrition, medical and psychological support, as well as access to legal assistance and information were examined.

It was also emphasized that the appeals of Ruben Vardanyan and his lawyer related to the protection of his rights were reviewed within the ombudsman's mandate, and appropriate responses were provided. It was noted that the call made by Vardanyan to the ombudsman's call center "916" was registered.