22:40, 31 July 2009

Armenia: searched oppositionist surrenders to the police

In Armenia, on July 30, another oppositionist left the underground and surrendered to law enforcement bodies. Gamlet Ovannisyan, a member of the Armenian National Congress (ANC), who was in search since last March, is going to prove that statements of the authorities on amnesty are deceptive.

Mr Ovannisyan, a veteran of the Karabakh War and former commander of a special regiment, is accused of organizing mass disorders.

He came to the police station of the Yerevan community "Malatiya" in his military uniform, accompanied by Armen Martirosyan, head of the parliamentary faction of the Party "Zharangutyun" (Heritage) and his son, advocate Givi Ovannisyan. Prior to his appearance at the police, he spent two hours with his family at home.

Mr Ovannisyan himself has no hopes for indulgence, although he has appeared before the deadline and is covered by the announced amnesty. "I wish to prove that the so-called 'display of good will' by the authorities is nothing but illusion. They act not on good will, but under tough pressure, even in the amnesty issue," he said to journalists.

Author: Lilit Ovanisyan

Source: CK correspondent