Citizens Stage Protest in Front of the Prosecutor General’s Office, Demanding Release of Political Prisoners
Today, a group of citizens held a protest action in front of the building of the Prosecutor General’s Office of Armenia, raising posters with slogans such as “Freedom to political prisoners,” “No to Nikol’s terror,” and others. The participants also held photographs of individuals involved in the “Srbazan Payqar” (Holy Struggle) case and other detainees, demanding their release from Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan. Deputies of the opposition “Hayastan” (Armenia) faction of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia also joined the protest.
In a conversation with journalists, Ishkhan Saghatelyan, a deputy of the “Hayastan” faction, stated that, in their assessment, certain individuals are being subjected to detention instead of clarification and investigation, which, according to him, contradicts democratic principles.
The protest participants declared that, according to their data, there are more than 30 individuals in Armenia whom they consider political prisoners, emphasizing that clergymen of the Armenian Apostolic Holy Church and opposition political figures have also been deprived of liberty in various cases.
Artsvik Minasyan, Secretary of the “Hayastan” faction, noted that the protest was organized in front of the Prosecutor’s Office because this body, in accordance with the Constitution, is responsible for supervising the legality of criminal prosecution and the application of punishment. He informed that a draft National Assembly statement, titled “On Political Prisoners and the Protection of Their Rights in the RA,” has been circulated, within the framework of which hearings with the participation of international organizations are scheduled for November 26. An invitation has also been sent to the Prosecutor General.
The protest continued with a march toward the Shengavit District Court, where the trial for the “Srbazan Payqar” case is currently underway.