PRESS RELEASE
July 10, 2009

Armenian Education and Benevolent Union
1060 North Allen Avenue
Pasadena, 91104
Contact: Dr. Harry Sarafian
Telephone: (818) 679-8077
E-mail: h.sarafian@aebu.org.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR VICTIM OF ARMENIA’S 2008
POST- PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION VIOLENCE

Glendale, California – Arthur Avagyan is a twenty-two year innocent victim
of the post-election violence that occurred following the February 19th,
2008 presidential elections in Armenia, which were reported to have been
marred by widespread fraud and vote rigging. On March 1st, 2008, a bloody
confrontation between riot police and demonstrators protesting the election
results left ten people dead and numerous others injured.

Arthur Avagyan was on of the notable victims as he became infamous from a
graphic video of his injuries that was widely circulated on YouTube (
). Arthur sustained a gunshot
wound to the left side of the neck that exited his right cheek through a
gaping hole. Although the wounds have somewhat healed, Avagyan has been left
with serious problems with eating, speaking, drinking and sleeping due to
bone defects, a partially paralyzed tongue and extensive scarring inside and
outside his mouth. Even though Avagyan received immediate and continuous
medical care in Armenia, his injuries are still substantial requiring
additional treatment.

Now through generous sponsors, Arthur is in the United States with a new
opportunity for hope. The Armenian Educational and Benevolent Union (AEBU)
in collaboration with the Armenian Dental Society of California, Glendale
Memorial Hospital and Diagnostic Imaging Network are teaming up with Dr.
Vache Bardakjian and Dr. Gabriel Aslanian to provide plastic and
reconstructive surgery to Avagyan. "What is most gratifying about this
project is that all parties volunteered their services without hesitation in
order to improve this young man’s life and future", said Dr. Harry Sarafian
of the AEBU.

Avagyan’s surgery will take place on Monday, July 13th at Glendale Memorial
Hospital in the City of Glendale. He will undergo bone grafting to replace
the missing bones caused by the trauma and will have extensive revision of
the scarring inside and outside of his mouth. Arthur will also be fitted
with dental implants to replace the missing teeth. It is expected that the
surgeries will alleviate many of the ongoing problems Arthur has and will
greatly improve his quality of life.

(Release Note: If you would like to interview any of the parties or Mr.
Avagyan himself, please contact Dr. Harry Sarafian at his above contact
information.)

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress