Keghart Exclusive Interview with Activist Just Released from Jail in Armenia
By Dikran Abrahamian,
an
9 January 2010
Avedis Kalayjian, an anti-Serzh Sargsyan activist, has temporarily
settled in Paris, following his release from Armenian jail. Born 45
years ago in Syria, he lived in France for a while before migrating to
Armenia in 2002. A year later he was granted citizenship. He describes
himself as a devout Christian and a patriot–Tseghagron. On Jan. 2
Keghart.com interviewed him by telephone from Canada.
When asked about his political experience, he stresses his membership
in the Socialist Party of France. `I had 10 years of practical
experience in politics’, he says. Kalayjian is also the author of
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In 2004 he joined the ruling Republican Party of Armenia. `I was
active for five years, but resigned in January 2009 because I could
not tolerate the fraudulent practices, especially during the
Presidential election,’ he says.
`I was planning to go public on April 13, and expose Serzh Sargsyan.
He led the country to the brink of abyss with his anti-national,
anti-Christian and anti-democratic stance. They [the authorities] knew
that I had intimate knowledge of incriminating details about many
officials and ultimately Sargsyan,’ Kalayjian says.
When asked whether he went ahead with his plan, Kalayjian says, `No.
On March 15 some people I know warned me that they [the authorities]
were concocting criminal charges against me. They advised me to
temporarily leave the country.’
He didn’t leave. `I was firm in my beliefs and in what I knew. I
wanted to share my knowledge with the people,’ he says.
`On April 6 I was taken into custody. Frivolous charges were laid
against me. I was accused of planning to assassinate the President on
his way to the Cathedral of Etchmiadzin, and organizing a revolt. For
a few days I was with other political prisoners, but then they moved
me to a jail for common criminals in Nubarashen.’
Kalayjian says, `I was in jail for eight months. The trial started in
June 2009, but the authorities were not able to prove their
accusations. I went on hunger strike on Oct. 22. In a few days my
health deteriorated, necessitating medical intervention. But all along
I remained steadfast. I did not give in, and I kept praying to our
Lord. I was let go on Dec. 4.’ He credits pressure from Diaspora in
contributing to his release.
What does he think his real `crime’ was? `The Republican Party had
deviated from its ideology. I was an opposition from within,
especially after the tragedy of March 1. Authorities acted against the
Armenian people by throwing patriots, freedom fighters, and political
personalities into jail. Their sole `crime’ was being in opposition. I
spoke out and that was my crime.’
What does Kalayjian plan now? `I shall continue the struggle. I shall
continue fighting the Turks and Serzh. They [the rulers in Armenia]
are anti-national, anti-people and anti-democratic. They have no
experience in democracy and they cannot become democrats. Their regime
is Stalinist. I plan to hold a press conference soon and tell people
who they are and how they have ruined Armenia.’