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Young Armenian Activist Shant Harutyunyan was in Gyumri today to inform the Pope about political prisoners in Armenia including Shahen’s father, Shant Harutyunyan. Shahen was kidnapped by unknown people (presumably police) and driven away. We do not have exact information about his whereabouts at the moment, but we would like his message to be delivered to the Pope.

Shahen Harutyunyan did not commit or intend any criminal actions and should be let go immediately!

Your Holiness

Pope Francis,
We are honoured and full of joy to see you in our holy land.
We are writing to you with this call of survival, because the hour is grave. We hope you will understand and forgive us for this opportunism, but we do not have much choice.
There are 14 political prisoners in Armenia right now.
Today, in our country, any peaceful demonstration, any attempt to rise the voice of the people is immediately muzzled and all democratic or human attempts are destroyed, with arrests and imprisonment without end or trial. Anyone who dares to raise his voice is silenced immediately by the current government. This government was never elected. Twice the power was usurped in our country, once in 2008, at a cost of 10 lives and once in 2013, through fraudulent elections.
The governing and dictatorial political party unilaterally decided the fate of a country of several thousand years of civilization.
We know that you are aware of all what has been mentioned above, we have already addressed you a letter with the same call, in 2013. Since then, nothing has changed and the number of political prisoners is increasing constantly.
You always emphasized the importance of human solidarity, democracy and human rights. We are convinced that you will not stay silent to this call and remaining true to your ideals and values, you will tend us your hand.
It is a matter of life or death for the cradle of Christianity! Please, raise your voice, give us your valuable support to help political prisoners and their families.
Call the Armenian government to release political prisoners during Your visit.
We are praying and waiting for your help, Your Holiness, for this is a call for survival.
With our most respectful greetings.For

1. Shant Harutyunyan
2. Alek Poghosyan
3. Avetis Avetisyan
4. Liparit Petrosyan
5. Vardan Vardanyan
6. Vahe Mkrtchyan
7. Albert Margaryan
8. Hayk Harutyunyan
9. Mkrtich Hovhannisyan
10. Hayk Kyureghyan
11. Volodya Avetisyan
12. Gevorg Safaryan
13. Jirair Sefilian

Arusyak Ludy Hayrapetyan