The youth wing of Armenian National Movement (ANM) issued a statement on jail sentences of activists Tigran Arakelyan, Sargis Gevorgyan, Artak Karapetyan and David Kirimjyan believes to be “political prisoners.”
The statement branded the lawsuit and groundless accusations against those sentenced as shameful, noting that Armenian authorities are “unready to wage a legal political struggle.”
ANM urged the youth wings of political parties and organizations to raise their voices in support of those sentenced in accordance with February 26 joint statement.
The statement was signed by youth wings of major Armenian parties including Republican Party of Armenia, Prosperous Armenia, ARF Dashnaktsutyun, Orinats Yerkir, Heritage.
As the member of ANM executive body Arman Galoyan said, the issue will be brought to the attention of the international community. “The statements on the political prisoners were already addressed to European Liberal Democrat and Reform Party, European Liberal Youth and International Federation of Liberal Youth,” he stressed.
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.
