TALLINN, Estonia (AP) — A former Russian tycoon jailed in Azerbaijan on charges stemming from his time as a top separatist figure in the Karabakh region has gone on a hunger strike, his family said Friday.
Ruben Vardanyan started the fast two weeks ago to press demands for a speedy trial, news agencies cited the family as saying.
Vardanyan cofounded Troika Dialog, once among Russia’s top investment banks, and amassed wealth estimated at reaching $1 billion.
In 2022, he renounced his Russian citizenship and moved to the Karabakh region, parts of which were run by ethnic Armenians who sought to split away from Azerbaijan.
He became the region’s state minister, the equivalent of premier, but was dismissed in 2023. Azerbaijan, which had regained control of large parts of Karabakh in a 2020 war had been calling for him to be ousted.
Azerbaijan took full control of the rest of Karabakh in a lightning offensive in September 2023 that drove almost all of the region’s 120,000 Armenians to flee.
Vardanyan was arrested while trying to cross into Armenia and was charged with financing terrorism and establishing armed groups.
Google is combining its Android software and Pixel hardware divisions to more broadly integrate AI
Pic story: traditional folk sport goat
Xi Says Chinese Modernization to Bring New Opportunities to China
Chinese paddlers Wang, Sun lift trophies at WTT Cup Finals
Amanda Holden reveals a huge secret about THAT nude appearance on her Heart FM breakfast show
Enterprises in Guangxi ride RCEP momentum to expand ASEAN market
U.S. chip company Micron settles IP lawsuit with Chinese firm
Full Text of Xi's Signed Article on S. African Media
Tennis umpire banned for life for manipulating scores and gambling
Iris Law puts on a very leggy display as she steps out wearing tiny grey shorts in West Hollywood
China's Lin edges compatriot Liang in men's last