According to a report, Azerbaijan has arrested a former leader of Nagorno Karabakh as he tried to leave for Armenia. Reportedly, Azerbaijan’s border service said he was taken to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan and handed over to other state agencies. According to the report, Ruben Vardanyan headed the seperatist government from November 2022 until February, Mr Vardanyan’s wife has appealed for support to ensure his safe release. Reportedly, a friend said that Reuben had stood by the people during the ten month blockade and has suffered with them.
According to the report, armenians leaving Karabakh have been subject to rigorous checks on the border, Azerbaijan authorities claimed to be looking for war crimes suspects. Reportedly, western governments have been asking Azerbaijan to let international observers into Karabakh to monitor the treatment of the population. According to the report, there has been traffic jams for days on the road leaving Karabakh for Armenia, 47,115 refugees have already arrived in Armenia. Reportedly, many armenians feel they have no future now in Karabakh. According to the report, the u.s. have called for unhindered protections and freedom of movement for civilians.