Nagorno-Karabakh: Azerbaijan arrests former Karabakh leader - BBC News

Ruben Vardanyan is detained while attempting to enter Armenia after Baku's offensive last week.

2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsNagorno-Karabakh conflictImage source, State Border Service of Azerbaijan/Handout via ReuImage caption, Azerbaijan's state border service released this image on Wednesday showing Ruben Vardanyan being detainedBy Marita MoloneyBBC NewsAzerbaijan has arrested a former leader of Nagorno-Karabakh as he tried to leave the enclave for Armenia, officials say.

Ruben Vardanyan, a businessman who headed the separatist government from November 2022 until February, was among thousands trying to leave.

In all, 47,115 ethnic Armenians have now fled Nagorno-Karabakh, which was seized by Azerbaijan last week.

Mr Vardanyan's wife appealed for support to ensure his safe release.

"Ruben has stood with the Arsakh people during the 10-month blockade and has suffered with them in their struggle for survival," said Veronika Zonabend.