01:11, 2 April 2014

In Armenia, Misak Arakelyan, one of participants of "Million Mask March", is released

On April 1, in Yerevan, Misak Arakelyan, who was arrested after the protest action "Million Mask March" was released from the penitentiary institution "Nubarashen" on recognizance not to leave. This was told to journalists by his advocate Ovanes Kocharyan.

The "Million Mask March" was held in Yerevan on November 5, 2013. After the protesters entered into a confrontation with the police, Shant Arutyunyan, the organizer of the protest action, and 19 other protestors were arrested. Later, 14 of the protestors faced an indictment. All the detainees were accused of resisting power representatives with use of violence. On March 31, the charge was changed to the article on disorderly conduct.

The Shant Arutyunyan's advocate believes that within the period of five months, the investigating authorities failed to collect evidence against the protesters, and thus, they decided to reclassify the charge.

"Absence of evidence against Misak Arakelyan is a fact. Otherwise, the investigators would not reclassify the charge," the advocate told the journalists. He has added that he treats the charge as unlawful.

Author: Armine Martirosyan

Source: CK correspondent