20:45, 27 February 2017

Shagen Arutyunyan goes on strike in support of Sargsyan

Shagen Arutyunyan. Photo by Tigran Petrosyan for the 'Caucasian Knot'.

In Yerevan, Shagen Arutyunyan has announced an endless round-the-clock strike in Freedom Square in support of Arthur Sargsyan, who is accused of helping the “Sasna Tsrer” group. The activist said about the start of daily protests in support of Sargsyan.

On July 17-31, members of the group "Sasna Tsrer" (Daredevils of Sassoun) created by supporters of the opposition movement "Constituent Parliament" captured the building of the police regiment in Yerevan. At night of July 26, Arthur Sargsyan broke through the police cordon around the building and delivered food for the rebels. The court pronounced the pre-trial restriction measure to Arthur Sargsyan. The activist is suspected of assistance in hostage-taking and illegal purchase and possession of weapons.

The "Caucasian Knot" has reported that today in Yerevan an action in support of Arthur Sargsyan has started. According to the organizers, about 150 people came to Freedom Square. The protesters marched to the building of the General Prosecutor's Office (GPO) and demanded to release Arthur Sargsyan, saying that "his life is under threat; and his arrest was unjustified."

Later, the number of protest marchers went up to 300, the activists assert. They returned to Freedom Square and agreed to start daily actions, rallies and marches "until Sargsyan is back at large."

"I'm starting my protest alone," said Shagen Arutyunyan, adding that "it’s not a must that the strike is numerous, given the frosty nights in Yerevan." He added that he is not against, if others join his strike.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.

Author: Armine Martirosyan

Source: CK correspondent