Scores of Armenians gather in NY to protest Azeri axe-killer's release

PanARMENIAN.Net - A broad-based coalition of Armenian American political, religious, student and youth organizations joined in rallying against Hungary’s extradition and Azerbaijan’s pardon of axe-murderer Ramil Safarov on Monday, Sept. 10 in New York City.

The protest and candlelight vigil were held in front of the Hungarian Consulate at 223 East 52nd Street between 2nd and 3rd avenues.

The event, which was held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., was attended by Armenians of all walks of life and who hail from a variety of organizations. There were well more than 300 protesters in all.

“Tonight’s protest and candlelight vigil follow similar protests by Armenian and non-Armenians around the world calling for justice. Justice not only for Lieutenant Gurgen Margaryan, but also for all Armenians living in Nagorno-Karabagh. It is unfathomable to see any circumstance in which any Armenian in Nagorno-Karabagh could ever again live under Azerbaijani rule,” said ANCA Eastern Region Board Member James Sahagian.

Protesters echoed chants from Doug Geogerian (ANCA of New York chairman) such as “We want justice now,” “Jail Safarov” and “Turkey is a liar,” among other things. Naz Markarian, AYF of New York community leader, and Yervant Kachichian of the AYF Eastern Region Central Executive also led chants.

After the chanting died down, protesters were given candles while Markarian gave a fiery speech before Natalie Gabrielian (AGBU Associate Director of Education) took the microphone. Michelle Hagopian, eastern region director of the ANCA, also spoke to round out the program.

“As the weeks press on and as the media moves past this event, we must never forget. Safarov’s pardon is another tragedy to add to the Armenian history timeline. We have responded with passion thus far. Let us continue to do so and show that the Armenian people will not be shoved around. Let us prove that our history will not repeat itself,” Hagopian said in her speech.

Protesters were also given flowers to place in front of a sign commemorating Lt. Gurgen Margaryan, which was left in front of the doors of the consulate. Dozens of flowers and candles were placed on the ground for passersby to witness on the sidewalk.

Participants held Armenian flags and a multitude of signs, which included phrases like “Justice for Gurgen Margaryan” and “In Hungary justice is for sale.”

Toward the end of the rally, members of the AYF held aloft a copy of the OSCE’s “Madrid Principles,” which outline a solution to the Karabakh problem in accordance with Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. The youth announced that Azerbaijan has demonstrated, yet again, that it is unfit to govern Karabakh and that these principles must therefore be considered null and void. In a symbolic gesture, they then proceeded to burn the document before all those assembled.

The event concluded with remarks from local clergymen and the singing of the Hayr Mer. Dozens of pedestrians and drivers stopped or inquired about the event, asking who Safarov and Margaryan were and what significance the event held, Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) press service reported.