Ruben Vardanyan, the former state minister of the Armenian separatist administration in Nagorno-Karabakh, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by a judge in Azerbaijan after being convicted on multiple charges including crimes against peace and humanity. The trial, characterized by Vardanyan as a 'farce', ended with him denying all charges while his family's reaction emphasized concerns over the trial's lack of transparency and fairness. Prosecutors had originally sought a life sentence, indicating the severity with which the Azerbaijani state viewed Vardanyan's alleged actions.

The sentencing is situated within a broader context of tensions between Armenia and Azerbaijan, especially following the dissolution of the separatist government in Nagorno-Karabakh. Vardanyan's comments on the need for reconciliation between the two nations suggest that despite his legal challenges, he is focused on peace and mutual respect as necessary for resolving ongoing conflicts. His assertion that peace can only be achieved with 'two equal neighbors' points to the entrenched divisions and disparities that characterize the region currently.

The verdict has provoked outcry regarding the fairness of the judicial process in Azerbaijan, especially given the closed-door nature of the proceedings and the serious ramifications of the trial. Activists and observers have raised concerns that this move could be a part of broader political maneuvers aimed at deterring dissent and solidifying governmental control over the narrative surrounding Nagorno-Karabakh. The outcome of this case may not only affect Vardanyan personally but could also influence the already tense relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan moving forward.