ANC activists stage protest outside presidential office building

PanARMENIAN.Net - Dozens spread out posters outside RA presidential office building in support of Armenian National Congress (ANC) activists given different jail terms for hooliganism.

As PanARMENIAN.Net correspondent reports, member of Sardarapat movement Zhirayr Sefilyan participates in the action, with the protesters shouting “Freedom to political prisoners!” and “Shame” slogans.

According to Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition bloc, on August 9, 2011 police officers used violence against ANC activists Tigran Arakelyan and Artak Karapetyan. Upon arrival to the site, activists Areg Gevorgyan, Sahak Muradyan, Vahagn Gevorgyan, Sargis Gevorgyan and David Kirimijyan tried to settle the dispute but were beaten as well, the ANC said. All above-mentioned were taken to a police station and accuse of attacking the police officers.

On August 26, the Congress announced that it suspends political dialogue with Armenian authorities and believes Arakelyan to be a political prisoner.

On July 20, 2012 Tigrean Arakelyan was sentenced to 6 years in prison; Artak Karapetyan given a jail term of about 3,5 years; David Kirimijyan amd Sargis Gevorgyan were sentenced to 2 years each.