Your trusted source

International lawyers are not allowed to visit Ruben Vardanyan, a Russian-Armenian social entrepreneur, philanthropist and Artsakh’s former state minister who is being held in Azerbaijan, his spouse Veronika Zonabend said.

"Yes, this year has been really difficult; no one expected such events to happen. We don't know how soon the situation will be resolved. There is no significant news from Ruben. Once a week, we are allowed a very brief phone conversation. We are concerned that international lawyers are not allowed to see him," she told Mediamax in an interview published on Monday.

"Of course, we really miss communicating with him. This week marks three months since he was detained. The children endure this situation steadfastly: they consider it their duty to support each other and are very supportive of me. They have matured during this time," Zonabend noted.

Referring to many social projects and initiatives led by Ruben Vardanyan, the woman said: "Of course, it’s difficult without Ruben, and at the same time, the need to continue our initiatives has become a fulcrum for us. It is important for us that the projects we started together live and continue to benefit communities. A lot of people depend on us, and we support our activities to the extent that circumstances currently allow. Being able to help others, even at such a time, motivates us and gives us strength."