ARMAN BABAJANIAN WILL NOT BE RELEASED

On July 18 over thirty Armenian citizens crowded near the Penitentiary Department of the RoA Ministry of Justice with posters, “Freedom of Speech,” “Free Armenia,” “Free Political Prisoner Arman Babajanian.” Meanwhile the Interdepartmental Independent Commission on pre-term release was considering the preterm release of Arman Babajanian, editor-in-chief of Zhamanak Yerevan daily. The application on Babajanian’s pre-term release had been submitted to the Commission by the administration of the penitentiary institution.

The commission features representatives of the President’s Personnel, Human Rights Ombudsman’s Office, Police, Advocates’ Chamber, penitentiary institutions and a psychologist.

After the closed sitting member of the Advocates’ Chamber Georgy Gyulkhanian told “Zharangutiun” MP Zaruhi Postanjian that five out of the six members had voted against Babajanian's release.

“Most likely, only the representative of the Ombudsman’s Office voted for Babajanian's release as the Office had announced its stance beforehand,” said Zaruhi Postanjian.

“Shame on you!” shouted the protesters the moment the commission members were leaving the building.

“Is Babajanian a real criminal? There are two criminals in this country-Serzh Sarkissian and Robert Kocharian. Why don't you imprison them?” wondered a woman-protester.

Babajanian's mother called at that moment to learn the commission's decision.

“We can appeal the decision at the Constitutional Court and we are going to,” Zaruhi Postanjian tried to console the woman.

Reminder, Arman Babajanian was sentenced to a 3.5 years of imprisonment. He was charged with an evasion of compulsory military service. The previous two applications on Babajanian's pre-term release were turned down.

Source Publication:
Source: http://a1plus.am/en/?page=issue&iid=62788

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