ANM head urges Armenian authorities to release ANC activists

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenian authorities must finds ways for release of Armenian National Congress (ANC) sentenced activists to de-escalate tensions in the country, Armenian National Movement (ANM) chairman said.

“There must be no political prisoners in the country,” Aram Manukyan said, adding that the Congress will force the authorities to find ways for ANC activists’ release, if they refuse to take the step voluntarily.

Demands for release of young ANC activists were voiced at the Congress protest organized outside RA presidential office building.

As PanARMENIAN.Net correspondent reports, the protest was followed by a march to Yerevan’s Liberty Square.

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.