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“Asparez” inquired from Chairman of Helsinki Citizens’ Assembly Vanadzor Artur Sakunts whether or not according to him political prisoners exist in Armenia. A. Sakunts explained that there are political prisoners in our country and criminal prosecution against Shant Harutyunyan and his friends has absolutely no grounds.

“It was creation of imitation based on the image of vandalism in a situation created due to provocation of police officers dressed in civilian uniforms, who were manipulated by the police as provokers, according to which, Shant allegedly violated the public order and exerted violence against police officers. Based on ungrounded facts, a criminal case was initiated against Shant and his friends, which is political repression. The actions of the investigative bodies directed against them are also logical continuation of the political repression”, clarified my interlocutor.

A. Sakunts note that we began 2014 having already 14 political prisoners, which is a serious challenge   for our society, since the authorities thereby express their attitude towards people, especially, Sh. Harutyunyan, who expressed his public protest against Serzh Sargsyan’s sole decision to join the Customs Union.

“It has been already 15 days, since Shant Harutyunyan was in a worn-out state. I have seen him, although Shant’s mood, will and determination were in place, his health state is not in a good shape although he could still move along on his feet.  The investigative bodies have placed a ban to meet with his relatives. It has been already 9-10 days, since Shant’s friends Vahe and Liparit were in a hunger strike”.

I inquired from A. Sakunts, why, according to him, they have not yet published the results of Shant Harutyunyan’s forensic-medical examination, since the authorities claimed Shant Harutyunyan to be a psycho.

“Baghramyan 26 has not yet reached a final decision in which direction the criminal prosecution should be conducted, that is what to do with Shant Harutyunyan and his friends.  In the given conditions of missing legal grounds, they should be made up.

The forensic-medical examination is of crucial importance, since it was up to experts to compile a conclusion, they would definitely infer that Sh. Harutyunyan was in his sound mind, fully comprehended his actions and in that case the judicial proceedings will be turned into political discussions, when people would express their opinions, present their evaluations not only to the court but also to the public. The authorities have made a move to seclude Shant from his political activities, but failed to think of further steps. Shant does not at all have issues of mental health. During March 1, 2008 events he did not either have such issues”, explained A. Sakunts.

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