HEALTH CONDITION OF ARRESTED PRESIDENT OF "21ST CENTURY" ASSOCIATION REMAINS SERIOUS

PanARMENIAN.Net - 02.02.2001, MEDIAMAX, YEREVAN. Health condition of arrested president of international "21st century" independent association, Arkady Vardanian, remains serious and unstable, his wife Yelena Vardanian said today at a press conference in Yerevan.

On January 23 Arkady Vardanian was moved under escort from the investigation isolation cell of the Ministry of National Defense of Armenia to intensive therapy block of Yerevan scientific-research cardiology institute. Mrs. Vardanian noted that according to doctors' conclusion the patient isn't able to stand the investigation procedures due to his present health condition.

Mrs. Vardanian is worried about the fact that preliminary investigation bodies appealed to the court to prolong A. Vardanian's arrest term till March 9, 2001. Such actions can worsen her husband's health condition and cause his death, she said.

A. Vardanian's lawyer Samvel Jaghinian noted that the General Prosecutor's office of Armenia turned down the solicitation to change the preventive punishment of his client, arguing this by the fact that A.Vardanian is under doctors' control and there is no need to release him from under the custody.

According to Yelena Vardanian, doctors think A. Vardanian's health condition requires absolute peace and absence of any factors, causing instability of the nervous system.

The president of international "21st century" independent association, RF citizen Arkady Ghukasian was detained by the law-enforcement bodies of Armenia on October 31, 2000. The arrest was caused by mass rallies, organized by Vardanian in October 30, demanding the resignation of the President of Armenia. Arkady Ghukasian is accused of appeals to overthrow the present state system. -0-