SEVERAL ARMENIAN NGOS ACT IN SUPPORT OF MARIAM SUHKUDYAN
PanARMENIAN.Net
19.08.2009 17:35 GMT+04:00
/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.