15 POLITICAL PRISONERS REMAIN AT ARMENIA’S PRISONS, HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVISTS DECLARE
Noyan Tapan
Dec 9, 2009
YEREVAN, DECEMBER 9, NOYAN TAPAN. "Existence of political prisoners
in the country is a fact of gross violation of human rights,"
Co-chairwoman of Helsinki Civil Assembly Natalia Martirosian declared
at a December 9 discussion. Reporting that the discussion is dedicated
to December 10, day of adoption of UN Human Rights Convention she
added that it is marked in various corners of the world. While,
according to N. Martirosian, no hall is provided in Armenia for
discussions to be held on the subject of human rights.
Head of the Center for Law and Freedom, human rights activist Vardan
Haroutiunian in his report under the title The Term Political Prisoner:
Armenia’s Political Prisoners mentioned that there is no country in
the world admitting existence of political prisoners.
"Authorities of all countries declare that the issue of political
prisoners should be decided at the court and all dictators speak
about tolerance," he said. According to V. Haroutiunian, Armenia is
not an exception. "Hundreds of people became political prisoners
in our country, and all of them were supporters of the opposition
candidate," the human rights activist declared. He emphasized that
today 15 political prisoners remain at Armenia’s prisons.
Director of Assembly’s Vanadzor office Artur Sakunts in his report
touched upon all resolutions on Armenia adopted by PACE. In his words,
these resolutions one after another confirmed that the opposition is
persecuted by the authorities in Armenia.
Head of the Armenian National Congress Center for Legal Protection,
former RA Deputy Prosecutor General Gagik Jhangirian gave a report
on the subject Political Trials in Armenia.