BREAKING: Former Artsakh State Minister and Armenian political prisoner Ruben Vardanyan has announced he is going on a hunger strike in protest of his staged trial in Azerbaijan. Vardanyan has been held hostage since his arrest on September 27, 2023, during the forced displacement of Armenians from Artsakh. He faces 42 charges, including terrorism, with a potential life sentence in the sham trial currently taking place in Baku. Though Azerbaijan claims the proceedings are public, only state-controlled media have access.
After a brief phone call, his family conveyed his urgent appeal to the international community as he faces severe legal violations and the denial of basic rights in court.
Vardanyan describes what is happening in the Baku courtroom as a political performance orchestrated against him "solely for exercising my right to free speech and defending the Armenian Christian population of Artsakh."
In his statement, Vardanyan highlights key violations in his sham trial:
• Tried in a military tribunal instead of a civilian court
• Denied full access to case materials—422 volumes in Azerbaijani, classified as state secrets, with only 21 working days for review
• Indictment is unsigned, mistranslated, and legally invalid
• Legal defense obstructed—his lawyer faces restricted access, psychological pressure, and document confiscation; his international legal team is barred from communication and case materials
• No right to call defense witnesses or file complaints on procedural violations
• International observers banned from the courtroom
In his full statement, Vardanyan said:
"This is not just a trial against me. It is an attempt to accuse all Armenians, all those who helped Artsakh and its people, and anyone who showed compassion. It is an attack on an entire nation. I refuse to take part in this farce."
He urged world leaders, human rights defenders, and journalists to intervene:
"The imitation of justice is an endorsement of lawlessness. Silence in the face of such violations fuels hostility and creates new waves of hatred. Only through truth, law, and humanity can peace and justice be ensured in the region."
📸: David Ghahramanyan
After a brief phone call, his family conveyed his urgent appeal to the international community as he faces severe legal violations and the denial of basic rights in court.
Vardanyan describes what is happening in the Baku courtroom as a political performance orchestrated against him "solely for exercising my right to free speech and defending the Armenian Christian population of Artsakh."
In his statement, Vardanyan highlights key violations in his sham trial:
• Tried in a military tribunal instead of a civilian court
• Denied full access to case materials—422 volumes in Azerbaijani, classified as state secrets, with only 21 working days for review
• Indictment is unsigned, mistranslated, and legally invalid
• Legal defense obstructed—his lawyer faces restricted access, psychological pressure, and document confiscation; his international legal team is barred from communication and case materials
• No right to call defense witnesses or file complaints on procedural violations
• International observers banned from the courtroom
In his full statement, Vardanyan said:
"This is not just a trial against me. It is an attempt to accuse all Armenians, all those who helped Artsakh and its people, and anyone who showed compassion. It is an attack on an entire nation. I refuse to take part in this farce."
He urged world leaders, human rights defenders, and journalists to intervene:
"The imitation of justice is an endorsement of lawlessness. Silence in the face of such violations fuels hostility and creates new waves of hatred. Only through truth, law, and humanity can peace and justice be ensured in the region."
📸: David Ghahramanyan
BREAKING: The Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem Sends Urgent Letter to Netanyahu.
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Archbishop Nourhan Manougian sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the issue of the Arnona (Municipality Tax).
In the letter, His Beatitude urged Netanyahu to intervene and halt the actions taken by the Municipality of Jerusalem against the Armenian Patriarchate. He also called for the resumption of meetings within the governmental committee established in 2018 by the Prime Minister himself, in an effort to find a resolution to this alarming issue.
The committee was founded in order to find solutions to the Arnona issue through negotiation and cooperation with the Heads of Christian Communities in the Holy Land. This committee remains active and has held several productive meetings, yielding positive outcomes.
This was reported by 301 correspondent Kegham Balian.
Source: Fr. Aghan Gogchyan, Chancellor of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Archbishop Nourhan Manougian sent a letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the issue of the Arnona (Municipality Tax).
In the letter, His Beatitude urged Netanyahu to intervene and halt the actions taken by the Municipality of Jerusalem against the Armenian Patriarchate. He also called for the resumption of meetings within the governmental committee established in 2018 by the Prime Minister himself, in an effort to find a resolution to this alarming issue.
The committee was founded in order to find solutions to the Arnona issue through negotiation and cooperation with the Heads of Christian Communities in the Holy Land. This committee remains active and has held several productive meetings, yielding positive outcomes.
This was reported by 301 correspondent Kegham Balian.
Source: Fr. Aghan Gogchyan, Chancellor of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
The EU civilian monitoring mission in Armenia is starting its work today under a new mandate. This was stated in a post on the mission’s X microblog.
“On the first day of EUMA’s new mandate, we reaffirm that EUMA remains committed to peace and stability in the region and will continue patrolling the Armenian section of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. New mandate: 20.02.2025 - 19.02.2027,” the statement reads.
It should be noted that the EU recently extended its mission in Armenia for an additional two years, until 2027.
“On the first day of EUMA’s new mandate, we reaffirm that EUMA remains committed to peace and stability in the region and will continue patrolling the Armenian section of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border. New mandate: 20.02.2025 - 19.02.2027,” the statement reads.
It should be noted that the EU recently extended its mission in Armenia for an additional two years, until 2027.
The special forces of the Criminal Police have detained former Gyumri mayor and current mayoral candidate Vardan Ghukasyan, along with his bodyguard. Ghukasyan himself reported the incident on social media.
According to his statement, his lawyer was prevented from entering the regional police department. “The door of the regional department building has once again been unlawfully closed in front of Vardan Ghukasyan’s lawyer,” he wrote.
The detention comes just weeks ahead of the extraordinary city council elections in Gyumri, scheduled for March 30.
According to his statement, his lawyer was prevented from entering the regional police department. “The door of the regional department building has once again been unlawfully closed in front of Vardan Ghukasyan’s lawyer,” he wrote.
The detention comes just weeks ahead of the extraordinary city council elections in Gyumri, scheduled for March 30.
On the 37th anniversary of the Karabakh Movement, the National Assembly of the Republic of Artsakh issued a statement reaffirming the Armenian people’s right to return to their homeland and condemning Azerbaijan’s ongoing occupation.
Full Text of the Statement
STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH
Dear compatriots,
February 20, 1988, is a symbolic day, as 37 years ago, the cornerstone of a struggle was laid that became the focal point of the entire Armenian nation’s thoughts. On that day, the extraordinary session of the People’s Deputies of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region (NKAO), expressing the unified will of the Armenian people and guided by the relevant provisions of the USSR Constitution, decided to appeal to the Supreme Soviets of the Azerbaijani SSR and the Armenian SSR with a request to remove the NKAO from Azerbaijan’s jurisdiction and incorporate it into Armenia.
Azerbaijan responded to the constitutional demands of the Armenian population of NKAO with a policy of brute force and violence, which became the modus operandi of its military-political leadership for more than 35 years. The culmination of this was the military aggression on September 19, 2023. Unfortunately, with the silent consent of the world, Azerbaijan, under the threat of committing a new genocide, forcibly occupied a part of the Armenian homeland—the entire territory of the Republic of Artsakh.
As a result of this historical and national tragedy, 150,000 Artsakh Armenians were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in the Republic of Armenia, with the hope of returning to their homeland and restoring their national dignity with determination.
Yet, the Armenian spirit of resilience and determination has never allowed despair to prevail.
The spirit of the February renaissance, the blood and sweat shed for the homeland, statehood, freedom, and independence, compel us not to retreat in the face of difficulties.
As the people of Artsakh, we will continue our struggle. The right of the people of the Republic of Artsakh to return to their ancestral homeland safely and with dignity is not only legitimate but also fully aligned with the norms and principles of international law.
Despite visible and invisible obstacles, the restoration of the Armenian people’s lost rights must become the cornerstone of the current generation’s mission.
Today, recalling the significance of February 20, 1988, we reaffirm our inalienable right to walk the path of justice and truth and to preserve historical memory.
Full Text of the Statement
STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH
Dear compatriots,
February 20, 1988, is a symbolic day, as 37 years ago, the cornerstone of a struggle was laid that became the focal point of the entire Armenian nation’s thoughts. On that day, the extraordinary session of the People’s Deputies of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region (NKAO), expressing the unified will of the Armenian people and guided by the relevant provisions of the USSR Constitution, decided to appeal to the Supreme Soviets of the Azerbaijani SSR and the Armenian SSR with a request to remove the NKAO from Azerbaijan’s jurisdiction and incorporate it into Armenia.
Azerbaijan responded to the constitutional demands of the Armenian population of NKAO with a policy of brute force and violence, which became the modus operandi of its military-political leadership for more than 35 years. The culmination of this was the military aggression on September 19, 2023. Unfortunately, with the silent consent of the world, Azerbaijan, under the threat of committing a new genocide, forcibly occupied a part of the Armenian homeland—the entire territory of the Republic of Artsakh.
As a result of this historical and national tragedy, 150,000 Artsakh Armenians were forced to leave their homes and seek refuge in the Republic of Armenia, with the hope of returning to their homeland and restoring their national dignity with determination.
Yet, the Armenian spirit of resilience and determination has never allowed despair to prevail.
The spirit of the February renaissance, the blood and sweat shed for the homeland, statehood, freedom, and independence, compel us not to retreat in the face of difficulties.
As the people of Artsakh, we will continue our struggle. The right of the people of the Republic of Artsakh to return to their ancestral homeland safely and with dignity is not only legitimate but also fully aligned with the norms and principles of international law.
Despite visible and invisible obstacles, the restoration of the Armenian people’s lost rights must become the cornerstone of the current generation’s mission.
Today, recalling the significance of February 20, 1988, we reaffirm our inalienable right to walk the path of justice and truth and to preserve historical memory.
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Yerevan is experiencing a transportation collapse as heavy snowfall and uncleaned roads have brought public transit to a standstill. Buses across the city are unable to move, leaving thousands of commuters stranded at bus stops for hours in freezing temperatures.
Despite assurances from city authorities that public utilities and district administrations would be fully engaged in snow removal efforts, the streets remain largely uncleaned. Many residents have taken to social media to express their frustration, criticizing officials for failing to prepare for winter weather and ensure road safety.
Traffic congestion has worsened, with cars struggling to navigate snow-covered streets. Meanwhile, public transport services have yet to provide clear solutions or an estimated timeline for when operations will resume normally.
According to the National Weather Service, snowfall is expected to continue from the afternoon of February 19 through February 23, with heavy snowfalls on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, temperatures are forecasted to drop significantly, reaching -2 to -3 degrees Celsius during the daytime on February 21-23.
As snowfall continues, residents are urging city officials to improve road maintenance efforts and restore transportation as soon as possible.
Despite assurances from city authorities that public utilities and district administrations would be fully engaged in snow removal efforts, the streets remain largely uncleaned. Many residents have taken to social media to express their frustration, criticizing officials for failing to prepare for winter weather and ensure road safety.
Traffic congestion has worsened, with cars struggling to navigate snow-covered streets. Meanwhile, public transport services have yet to provide clear solutions or an estimated timeline for when operations will resume normally.
According to the National Weather Service, snowfall is expected to continue from the afternoon of February 19 through February 23, with heavy snowfalls on Thursday and Friday. Additionally, temperatures are forecasted to drop significantly, reaching -2 to -3 degrees Celsius during the daytime on February 21-23.
As snowfall continues, residents are urging city officials to improve road maintenance efforts and restore transportation as soon as possible.
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
A striking projection appeared overnight near the Armenian community church on Potsdamer StraĂźe in Berlin, displaying a message in Armenian:
“1988. Փաշինյանը դավաճանել է հայերի հիշողությունը!”
Translated, it reads: “1988. Pashinyan has betrayed the memory of Armenians!” Accompanying the message was an image of the forget-me-not flower, a symbol of remembrance for the Armenian Genocide.
The date referenced, February 20, 1988, marks the beginning of the Karabakh (Artsakh) Movement, when Armenians in Artsakh initiated their struggle for self-determination.
“1988. Փաշինյանը դավաճանել է հայերի հիշողությունը!”
Translated, it reads: “1988. Pashinyan has betrayed the memory of Armenians!” Accompanying the message was an image of the forget-me-not flower, a symbol of remembrance for the Armenian Genocide.
The date referenced, February 20, 1988, marks the beginning of the Karabakh (Artsakh) Movement, when Armenians in Artsakh initiated their struggle for self-determination.
This media is not supported in your browser
VIEW IN TELEGRAM
Heavy snowfall has led to a surge in road accidents across Yerevan, with incidents like the one in the Nork Marash district becoming increasingly common. Over the past several hours, emergency services have been responding to multiple collisions, highlighting the worsening road conditions.
Despite the Ministry of Territorial Administration’s regulations prohibiting the use of all-season tires in winter—stating that drivers using them will face the same fines as those using summer tires—the Yerevan municipality has admitted that the majority of city buses are equipped with all-season tires rather than proper winter ones.
The government’s slow response to the snowfall has exacerbated the situation, with many roads remaining unplowed and icy. As a result, RA Ministery of Education, Science, Culture and Sports has already announced closures of schools for tomorrow, citing safety concerns.
With more snow expected, concerns are growing over whether officials will take action to prevent further accidents or if the situation will continue to spiral out of control.
Despite the Ministry of Territorial Administration’s regulations prohibiting the use of all-season tires in winter—stating that drivers using them will face the same fines as those using summer tires—the Yerevan municipality has admitted that the majority of city buses are equipped with all-season tires rather than proper winter ones.
The government’s slow response to the snowfall has exacerbated the situation, with many roads remaining unplowed and icy. As a result, RA Ministery of Education, Science, Culture and Sports has already announced closures of schools for tomorrow, citing safety concerns.
With more snow expected, concerns are growing over whether officials will take action to prevent further accidents or if the situation will continue to spiral out of control.
BREAKING: The World Council of Churches (WCC) has published a powerful statement by Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay in solidarity with the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem.
The World Council of Churches (WCC) stands in solidarity with the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem in the face of an unjust foreclosure order issued by the Municipality of Jerusalem. We denounce this act as a blatant attack on religious freedom and an alarming violation of the historic Status Quo that governs the Holy Sites of Jerusalem.
For centuries, the Armenian Patriarchate, alongside other Christian institutions, has safeguarded the sacred heritage of the Holy Land, serving as a beacon of faith, community service, and justice. The coercive measures taken against the Patriarchate constitute not only a legal and moral travesty but also a dangerous precedent that threatens all Christian institutions in Jerusalem.
This reckless action is part of a wider pattern of increasing pressures, land disputes, and acts of intimidation targeting Christian communities in the Holy City—acts that the WCC has repeatedly condemned.
We call upon the Israeli government to immediately freeze the foreclosure proceedings and uphold the internationally recognized Status Quo of Jerusalem.
We further urge the international community, including religious and political leaders, to take decisive action to protect the fundamental rights of Christian communities and to ensure that the Holy Land remains a place of worship, peace, and coexistence for all.
The World Council of Churches reaffirms its unwavering commitment to justice and peace in the Holy Land. We will continue to advocate, to accompany, and to raise our voice in defense of the sacred heritage and dignity of all people in the Holy Land.
May righteousness prevail, and may justice and peace embrace in the city that is holy to us all.
Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
The World Council of Churches (WCC) stands in solidarity with the Armenian Patriarchate in Jerusalem in the face of an unjust foreclosure order issued by the Municipality of Jerusalem. We denounce this act as a blatant attack on religious freedom and an alarming violation of the historic Status Quo that governs the Holy Sites of Jerusalem.
For centuries, the Armenian Patriarchate, alongside other Christian institutions, has safeguarded the sacred heritage of the Holy Land, serving as a beacon of faith, community service, and justice. The coercive measures taken against the Patriarchate constitute not only a legal and moral travesty but also a dangerous precedent that threatens all Christian institutions in Jerusalem.
This reckless action is part of a wider pattern of increasing pressures, land disputes, and acts of intimidation targeting Christian communities in the Holy City—acts that the WCC has repeatedly condemned.
We call upon the Israeli government to immediately freeze the foreclosure proceedings and uphold the internationally recognized Status Quo of Jerusalem.
We further urge the international community, including religious and political leaders, to take decisive action to protect the fundamental rights of Christian communities and to ensure that the Holy Land remains a place of worship, peace, and coexistence for all.
The World Council of Churches reaffirms its unwavering commitment to justice and peace in the Holy Land. We will continue to advocate, to accompany, and to raise our voice in defense of the sacred heritage and dignity of all people in the Holy Land.
May righteousness prevail, and may justice and peace embrace in the city that is holy to us all.
Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay
General Secretary
World Council of Churches
The Armenian capital is gradually recovering from yesterday’s heavy snowstorm, which left streets covered in thick snow and ice.
Due to inadequate snow removal efforts by the city authorities, many residents were forced to clear paths themselves, navigating icy roads and sidewalks with caution. The situation led to widespread frustration, as public transportation and daily commutes were severely affected.
However, the unexpected snowfall brought joy to one group—schoolchildren. With schools closed for the day, kids took advantage of the winter weather, making the most of what is likely the season’s last snowfall.
301 correspondent: David Ghahramanyan
Due to inadequate snow removal efforts by the city authorities, many residents were forced to clear paths themselves, navigating icy roads and sidewalks with caution. The situation led to widespread frustration, as public transportation and daily commutes were severely affected.
However, the unexpected snowfall brought joy to one group—schoolchildren. With schools closed for the day, kids took advantage of the winter weather, making the most of what is likely the season’s last snowfall.
301 correspondent: David Ghahramanyan
Public figure Edgar Ghazaryan has been charged with an offense carrying a penalty of up to five years in prison.
According to his lawyer, Ruben Melikyan, the prosecution initiated a public criminal case against Ghazaryan following a decision by the prosecutor. The charge falls under Article 490 and is based on excerpts from Ghazaryan’s public statements.
One key statement cited in the case was made after a Constitutional Court ruling that, according to Ghazaryan, neutralized the Declaration of Independence. He allegedly stated that the judges responsible were either ignorant or traitors. The indictment also references his claim that Vahe Grigoryan became a Constitutional Court judge illegally.
Melikyan emphasized that Ghazaryan’s remarks were purely critical, containing no profanity or insults.
As a preventive measure, Ghazaryan has been banned from leaving the country, and a motion has been filed to place him under administrative supervision. Melikyan noted that this measure is broad in scope and could include restrictions on certain activities or limits on how long he can be outside his home each day.
A court hearing on the administrative supervision request is scheduled for tomorrow.
Ghazaryan’s case is not unique. Previously, the authors of the Imnemnimi podcast, Narek Samsonyan and Vazgen Saghatelyan, were arrested for their public statements, detained, and held in custody for two months.
According to his lawyer, Ruben Melikyan, the prosecution initiated a public criminal case against Ghazaryan following a decision by the prosecutor. The charge falls under Article 490 and is based on excerpts from Ghazaryan’s public statements.
One key statement cited in the case was made after a Constitutional Court ruling that, according to Ghazaryan, neutralized the Declaration of Independence. He allegedly stated that the judges responsible were either ignorant or traitors. The indictment also references his claim that Vahe Grigoryan became a Constitutional Court judge illegally.
Melikyan emphasized that Ghazaryan’s remarks were purely critical, containing no profanity or insults.
As a preventive measure, Ghazaryan has been banned from leaving the country, and a motion has been filed to place him under administrative supervision. Melikyan noted that this measure is broad in scope and could include restrictions on certain activities or limits on how long he can be outside his home each day.
A court hearing on the administrative supervision request is scheduled for tomorrow.
Ghazaryan’s case is not unique. Previously, the authors of the Imnemnimi podcast, Narek Samsonyan and Vazgen Saghatelyan, were arrested for their public statements, detained, and held in custody for two months.
Armenian football legend Henrikh Mkhitaryan has been named to Score 90’s symbolic squad, recognizing the top players aged 34 and older.
The former Armenia national team captain and current Inter Milan midfielder joins an elite lineup alongside Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manuel Neuer, Robert Lewandowski, Luka Modrić, and Sergio Ramos.
Mkhitaryan continues to excel at the highest level, playing a key role for Inter Milan as they compete for domestic and European titles.
The former Armenia national team captain and current Inter Milan midfielder joins an elite lineup alongside Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Manuel Neuer, Robert Lewandowski, Luka Modrić, and Sergio Ramos.
Mkhitaryan continues to excel at the highest level, playing a key role for Inter Milan as they compete for domestic and European titles.