YEREVAN, SEPTEMBER 27, ARMENPRESS. Aurora Humanitarian Initiative co-founder and former State Minister of Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) Ruben Vardanyan has been arrested by Azerbaijani authorities, his wife said in a statement on September 27.

Ruben Vardanyan's wife Veronika Zonabend’s statement is presented below.

“My husband, Ruben Vardanyan, the philanthropist, businessman and former minister of state of Artsakh, has been arrested and held captive by the Azerbaijani authorities at the border as he attempted to leave this morning, along with thousands of Armenians escaping Azerbaijani occupation. Ruben stood with the Arsakh people during the 10-month blockade and suffered along with them in the struggle for survival. I ask for your prayers and support to ensure my husband’s safe release.”

Azeri news media have also reported Vardanyan’s arrest.