Heritage youth union issues statement in support of jailed ANC activists

PanARMENIAN.Net - Heritage party’s “Hayk” student union issued a statement on jail sentences of young Armenian National Congress (ANC) opposition bloc activists

“The prison sentences of Tigran Arakelyan and Artak Karapetyan and Sargis Gevorgyan and David Kirimijyan run counter to the Republic of Armenia. Each RA citizen must acknowledge the importance of the problem, as any one in Armenia may get a jail term for own standpoints,” the statement reads.

The statement further stressed the need for the young to contribute to the fair trial of ANC activists to avert the recurrence of such cases in the future.

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 accused of attacking the police officers.

On August 26, the Congress announced suspending political dialogue with Armenian authorities, with Arakelyan named a political prisoner.

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

A separate case was initiated for Areg Gevorgyan, Sahak Muradyan and Vahagn Gevorgyan to be taken up by Special Investigation Service.

According to Saturday, August 4 report, Special Investigation Service announced decision to halt prosecution of Areg Gevorgyan, Sahak Muradyan and Vahagn Gevorgyan for lack of evidence proving the latters’ involvement in the crime.