A group of renowned Russian cultural, scientific, and educational figures have penned an open letter in support of businessman and former Minister of State of Nagorno-Karabakh, Ruben Vardanyan, who was detained by Azerbaijani authorities while attempting to leave Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh). This appeal, reported by RBC, features signatories who highlight Vardanyan’s consistent stance against violence and his dedication to promoting equal dialogue, even in situations of seemingly irreconcilable hostility.
The letter, co-signed by 22 individuals, implores those in positions of influence to work towards securing Vardanyan’s release. It calls for him to be granted the opportunity to reunite with his family and continue his creative endeavors for the betterment of society.
Among the signatories are Alexander Voloshin, former head of the presidential administration and current chairman of the board of directors of the Moscow School of Management; acclaimed writers Evgeny Vodolazkin and Alla Gerber; businessmen Mikhail Kusnirovich and Mark Kurtser; film directors Pavel Lungin and Alexander Sokurov; Natalia Solzhenitsyna, widow of famous writer Solzhenitsyn; Nyuta Federmesser, founder of the Vera Hospice Fund; choreographer Boris Eifman; Marina Loshak, former director of the State Museum of Fine Arts after Pushkin; and Alexander Auzan, Dean of the Faculty of Economics at Moscow State University, among others.
