17:40, 5 August 2013

In Armenia, CoA leaves activist Tigran Arakelyan in custody

The Court of Appeal (CoA) of Armenia has dismissed the motion to change the measure of freedom restraint of Tigran Arakelyan, an activist of the "Armenian National Congress" (ANC).

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that on July 20, 2012, the ANC activists Tigran Arakelyan, Artak Karapetyan, David Kiramidjyan and Sarkis Gevorkyan were sentenced to terms ranging from two to six years in prison. On November 13, 2012, the CoA dismissed their appeals against the sentence, but on May 8, 2013, the Court of Cassation overturned the decision and sent the case back for retrial.

The reason for the criminal prosecution of the activists was in the conflict that occurred on August 9, 2011, between ANC members and the police in Yerevan. According to the prosecution, the ANC activists committed acts of hooliganism and resisted the police. The ANC claims that the incident was provoked by policemen. At the moment, three activists are at large under recognizance not to leave, while Tigran Arakelyan is in custody.

The court session was held against a protest action, organized by members of the ANC. About 60 people came to the courthouse with posters: "Freedom to Tigran Arakelyan!" and "David, we're with you!"

Author: Lilit Ovanisyan

Source: CK correspondent