French Armenians demand Vahagn Chakhalyan releaseApril 28, 2009 - 15:02 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Coordination Council of Armenian Organizations in France (CCAF) will organize a rally on April 28 to protest the severe beating of Armenian activist Vahagn Chakhalyan and demand his immediate release."Sentencing Chakhalyan to 10 years in prison and using violence, the Georgian authorities try to response to the wave of popular indignation. Such actions are inadmissible. The CCAF demands that the authorities release of Vahagn Chakhalyan and stop persecution of Armenian community members," the CCAF said in a statement obtained by PanARMENIAN.Net On Apr. 6-7 Akhaltskhe regional court held final hearing of the case of Javakhk political activist, United Javakhk Movement Leader Vahagn Chakhalyan, as well as his father and brother Ruben and Armen Chakhalyans. The public prosecutor demanded 14-year imprisonment and 18 000 lari fine ($10,650) for Vahagn Chakhalyan, 4-year imprisonment and 6000 lari fine ($3550) for Ruben Chakhalyan and 3-year suspended sentence and 3000 lari fine ($1750) for Armen Chakhalyan. The court found Ruben Chakhalyan guilty under article 236.1 (purchase and possession of arms) and article 225.2 (participation in disorders) and imposed to 5,000 lari ($3000) on him. Armen Chakhalyan will have to pay a 2,000 lari ($1,200) fine under article 236.1 (purchase and possession of arms). Chakhalyans are going to appeal the verdict in the court of superior jurisdiction and European Court of Human Rights. On April 16, 2009 Vahagn Chakhalyan, who is currently held in Tbilisi prison No. 8, was taken out from his cell and subjected to sustained and brutal beating by prison officers. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |