The anticipated trial of Ruben Vardanyan, a notorious figure known for his involvement in separatist and terrorist activities financial support, has garnered significant international attention.
According to the Diplomatic News Agency, Pakistani human rights activist Syeda Ghulam Fatima, who received $100,000 from Vardanyan in 2016 under the guise of the so-called Aurora Prize, plans to participate in his trial in Baku.
However, her involvement has raised several concerns, prompting questions about her motives.
Experts argue that Syeda Ghulam Fatima’s participation may not merely stem from a legal or humanitarian interest.
Instead, it could be linked to a broader network historically associated with supporting Azerbaijan-opposing terrorism, money laundering, and human rights violations.
For decades, Armenians have engaged in an ethnic cleansing campaign against Azerbaijanis, forcibly displacing thousands from Western Azerbaijan (modern-day Armenia).
The Armenian government has systematically violated their rights, destroyed cultural heritage sites, and obstructed their return.
One of the most tragic events in this conflict was the Khojaly genocide, carried out by Armenian forces on February 26, 1992. This brutal attack resulted in the massacre of hundreds of Azerbaijani civilians, including women and children.
Rather than advocating for the victims of these atrocities, Syeda Ghulam Fatima has chosen to align herself with individuals like Ruban Vardanyan, who has long supported separatist governments responsible for such crimes.
Armenian militant organizations have been involved in numerous terrorist attacks against Azerbaijani civilians and officials, and Ruban Vardanyan has been linked to financial networks that have supported these militant activities, both directly and indirectly.
Experts highlight that Syeda Ghulam Fatima’s association with the Aurora Prize network which allegedly connects to money laundering schemes benefiting Armenian separatists and terrorists is deeply concerning.
The trial in Baku is expected to offer not only a legal reckoning for Ruben Vardanyan but also an opportunity to expose the larger network of individuals who have facilitated his illegal activities for personal and political gain.
