Coordinator of the Armenian National Congress (ANC) Levon Zurabyan said that the Congress suspends its participation in the dialogue with the country’s authorities unless ANC activist Tigran Arakelyan is released.

The ANC eyes Arakelyan’s arrest as political persecution and attempt to expert pressure. “Arakelyan is a political prisoner,” Zurabyan emphasized.

“During the 5th meeting we were assured that the preventive punishment will be changed and there will be no discrimination against the ANC activists,” he said, adding that the Congress offered the authorities to release the young men in exchange for guarantees.

“We did not reveal details by the coalition’s request,” Zurabyan said.

Representatives of the ruling coalition have held meeting since July 18, the two main issues on the agenda being conduction of extraordinary election (on ANC demand) and development of canons of political competition (as suggested by the authorities).

Problems emerged when police detained 7 young ANC activists. According to the ANC, on August 9 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 Kirimajyan tried to settle the dispute but were beaten as well, the ANC said. All above-mentioned were taken to a police station.

Currently, Tigran Arakelyan is kept in custody. The others were released.