Tag:

Vardanyan

Alexander Leonov: Vardanyan’s Havel Prize nomination could discredit Europe’s human rights standards

In an exclusive interview with News.Az, Alexander Leonov, Executive Director of the Center of Applied Political Studies Penta and a Ukrainian political analyst, commented on attempts to portray Ruben Vardanyan in Europe as a human rights defender and a potential candidate for the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize.

23 May 2026-10:48
Promoting Vardanyan as rights defender harms Europe’s credibility – Ukrainian expert

The nomination of Ruben Vardanyan for a European human rights award has drawn criticism from Ukrainian political observers, who argue that attempts to portray him as a defender of human rights are at odds with allegations and controversies linked to his past activities.

23 May 2026-10:00
Controversial Vardanyan nomination casts shadow over Havel Prize

23 May 2026-08:23
Europe must not let the Havel Prize become a tool of political laundering

Editor's note: Einars Graudins is a military expert and a retired senior officer of the Latvian Armed Forces. This article reflects the author's personal opinion and may not represent the views of News.Az.

22 May 2026-14:38
Ruslan Shevchenko: Ruben Vardanyan’s nomination for the Havel Prize would be a moral and political blow to Europe

As discussions continue in Europe over the possible nomination of Ruben Vardanyan for the Václav Havel Human Rights Prize, the controversy surrounding him is taking on renewed political significance. For Azerbaijan, the issue goes far beyond a single award nomination. It touches on broader questions of separatism, Russian influence networks, hybrid warfare, and the ability of European institutions to distinguish genuine human rights advocacy from politically motivated campaigns.

22 May 2026-14:20
Havel Prize for Vardanyan would damage Europe’s reputation

The attempt to portray Ruben Vardanyan, who is currently serving a sentence in a Baku prison, as a candidate for the 2026 Václav Havel Human Rights Prize goes beyond a symbolic gesture. It is a political test — not only for those promoting him as a “humanitarian”, but also for European institutions that claim to uphold human rights, transparency, and the rule of law.

22 May 2026-11:56
EXCLUSIVE: Vardanyan’s money inside Polish Academia – PHOTOS

Grair Maghakyan, a lecturer at the University of Silesia in Katowice and Kielce University, said in an interview with Aravot, citing various sources, that in the 14th century Armenians came to Poland not as refugees seeking asylum, but as “colonizers” — in a positive sense of the word. According to him, it was thanks to the Armenians of Poland that the Polish nobility adopted luxurious Eastern clothing, jewelry, and fine weaponry. He also noted that Armenians’ knowledge of Eastern languages, customs, and ways of life was highly valued, and that many Polish artists were of Armenian origin. The remark raised eyebrows and prompted quiet dissatisfaction. Yet the reaction remained muted. Polish society and authorities were preoccupied with other issues.

18 Feb 2026-17:20
Vardanyan case ends: Azerbaijan proves no war criminal is beyond justice

Editor's note: Faig Mahmudov is a journalist based in Azerbaijan. The views expressed in this article are his own and do not necessarily reflect those of News.Az.

18 Feb 2026-09:16
Ruben Vardanyan sentenced to 20 years in prison

A court in Azerbaijan has sentenced Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan to 20 years in prison following a trial involving multiple serious charges.

17 Feb 2026-11:29
Verdict due tomorrow in Ruben Vardanyan trial

The verdict in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, accused under articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism and financing of terrorism, and other serious crimes, is expected to be announced on February 17.

16 Feb 2026-12:26