Several Armenian NGOs act in support of Mariam Suhkudyan

PanARMENIAN.Net - Several non-governmental organizations have acted in support of green youth movement activist Mariam Sukhudyan. In release signed by Armenian NGOs affiliating with South Caucasus Network of Human Rights Defenders, authors state that Armenian authorities «continue violence and intimidation policy against citizens they dislike».



Reiterating that persecution against environment movement leader Mariam Sukhudyan is another evidence of intolerance policy, 9 human rights and journalist NGOs demanded that criminal case against her be immediately dismissed.



In their recent release, NGOs also call on international organizations to support their demands and exert pressure upon Armenian authorities.



Around 50 proponents of green youth movement are currently conducting a rally near Erebuni Police Office's Investigative Department where movement activist Mariam Sukhudyan is now being interrogated. Protesters waiting for activist are holding posters reading «We are all Mariam Sukhdyans».



On August 13, Mariam Sukhudyan received summons for interrogation as an accused under Section 1, Article 135 of RA Criminal Code (libel). However, on August 15, she was informed of being accused of a crime prescribed by Section 2 Article 333 of RA Criminal Code (providing false information accompanied by artificial creation of evidence) Let's note, that the latter article envisages a graver punishment which may be imprisonment for up to 5 years.



Summons dated August 15 contained new charges against Sukhudyan, inviting her to interrogation on August 19.

Criminal case was filed after the November 13, 2008 regular broadcast of Haylur on Public TV channel. There, a school-girl from Nubarashen boarding school No. 11 complained about being sexually harassed by a teacher, «Ecolur» NGO says in a press release. Sukhudyan herself finds she is being persecuted for participating in «SOS-Teghut» function aimed the protection of Teghut forest.