11:36, 7 April 2008

SIZO inmate Suren Surenyants stops his hunger strike in Armenia

Because of his health aggravation, Suren Surenyants, member of the Political Board of the "Republic" Party, has stopped his hunger strike in Armenia. The "Caucasian Knot" correspondent has learnt about it at the election office of Levon Ter-Petrosyan.

Mr Surenyants started his hunger strike in the "Yerevan" penitentiary institution (former SIZO (pre-trial facility) of the KGB) on March 24. Initially, Surenyants was charged under Article 225.1 "Organization of mass disorders". However, in connection with the events on March 1, Surenyants, who was in custody since February 25, was presented another charge - under Article 300 "Usurpation of power". Mr Surenyants has stated that a far-fetched and illegal criminal case is fabricated against him, and he demands an immediate release, since he had just expressed his civil position, and people should not be sued for their ideas.

Author: Lilit Ovanisyan, CK correspondent