French Armenians demand Vahagn Chakhalyan release

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.