THEY DEMAND POLITICAL ASYLUM FOR ZHIRAIR SEFILIAN
A1+
[08:11 pm] 26 May, 2008
"We demand to cease ongoing "chases" against Zhirair Sefilian and to
grant him a residence permit in the Republic of Armenia," said the
adherents of Sefilian.
On May 26 the Committee supporting Sefilian handed an open letter
to the Armenian leadership and representatives of international
structures. The protest action started from the OSCE Yerevan office.
"Zhirair Sefilian is chased for his political standing. We urge you to
stop the ongoing persecution and prevent Sefilian’s banishment from
the Republic of Armenia as it is a rough breach of human rights,"
runs the letter.
Sefilian is prosecuted for his announcement "to smash the heads of
those who would dare to surrender the liberated territories and the
Nagorno Karabakh Republic," reminded the presentees.
"The problem refers to all Karabakh war veterans including Zhirair
Sefilian. We call your attention to Sefilian’s deeds while considering
the issue of granting Sefilian a political asylum," said veteran
Robert Hairumian in the name of Sefilian’s proponents.
Former Mayor of Goris Town, Samvel Harutiunian said, "Eveybody
knows that the authorities started in pursuit of Zhirair Sefilian
long ago. Sefilian played a significant role in the proclamation
of the NKR independence in 1992. The NKR President made a wise and
fair decision that Sefilian should settle in the lands liberated by
him. The President thought his decision would contribute to NKR’s
resettlement with Diaspora Armenians."
Reminder, the term of Sefilian’s detention expires on June 9. In case
the Administrative Court upholds the authorities’ motion to expel
Sefilian, the family will have to leave Armenia where they have spent
17 years of their lives.
Sefilian’s wife Nanor informed A1+ that she has no intention to move
elsewhere with her two underage children.
"The country doesn’t belong to Serzh Sarkissian, Robert Kocharian
and Alvina Zakarian. The country belongs to ordinary people. The
illegitimate authorities tarnish the countries reputation," said
Sefilian’s wife.