Buenos Aires / Yerevan – January 27, 2026
A formal appeal has been sent to Vice President of the United States J.D. Vance concerning the case of Artur Terchanyan, an Armenian citizen sentenced to life imprisonment in the Russian Federation following the 8 October 2022 explosion on the Crimean (Kerch) Bridge.
The letter was submitted on behalf of Mr. Terchanyan by his legal representative Luciana Minassian, President of the Buenos Aires Chapter of the Society for Orphaned Armenian Relief (SOAR), and by his wife Jenya Terchanyan.
The appeal raises serious concerns about violations of due process, lack of individualized evidence, and the political nature of the prosecution. According to the letter, Mr. Terchanyan was convicted despite the absence of reliable proof that he knowingly transported explosives, participated in any criminal plan, or possessed criminal intent. The conviction appears to be based on assumptions rather than evidence meeting the standard of proof beyond reasonable doubt.
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“All eight defendants in this case appear to have become symbolic scapegoats in a highly politicized prosecution,” the letter states. “Life imprisonment under such circumstances represents a grave injustice and a serious violation of fundamental human rights.”
The appeal was addressed to Vice President Vance in connection with his forthcoming visit to Armenia, calling on him to consider the case and to support the universal principles of fair trial, presumption of innocence, and protection of human rights.
The signatories emphasize that they are not requesting political interference in judicial processes, but rather international attention to ensure compliance with basic legal and humanitarian standards.
“We are asking for humanity, fairness, and the right to a just legal process. No person should be condemned to life imprisonment without clear evidence of guilt.”
The family and legal representatives have confirmed their readiness to provide full documentation to international institutions, diplomatic actors, human rights organizations, and members of the press.
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Luciana Minassian’s Post
