World-renowned philosopher and writer Nassim Nicholas Taleb has refused to give a lecture in Azerbaijan due to the former Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh) state minister and philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan’s detention in a Baku prison.

According to the economist and publicist, after his refusal, the organizers significantly increased the amount of the proposed fee, but this did not affect his decision in any way.

“I declined (they yuugely upped their offer, not understanding my ethics, thinking it would make a difference). I will not set foot in Azerbaijan with Reuben Vardanyan jailed there,” Taleb wrote, in particular, on X.