Detention of “Founding Parliament” activists justified – analyst

Armenia’s Investigative Committee reported five activists were detained for planning mass public unrest on the day of commemoration of the Armenian genocide centenary, April 24. The detained men were Varuzhan Avetisyan, Pavel Manukyan, Gevorg Safaryan, Zhirayr Sefilyan and Garegin Chukazsyan. The Investigative Committee opened a criminal case on the grounds of Article 35-225 (preparation for organizing public unrest). 

According to Melik-Shahnazaryan, the Founding Parliament activists left the law-enforcement bodies with no other option. They were doing their best to lead to the mass riot scenario, the analyst said. 

The “Founding Parliament” is led by Zhirayr Sefilyan, a Karabakh war veteran. Their detention was preceded by a search in the apartments of some members of the organization. 

Yet, Melik-Shahnazaryan ruled out the reprisals against the activists as no reprisal is required for the activities Sefilyan and his organization were involved in. 

According to the analyst, the Founding Parliament pursues political goals, but the methods they use are far from being political. They called for civil disobedience and even resistance to the police, if required, at the venues of the genocide commemoration events, the analyst said. According to Melik-Shahnazaryan, Sefilyan and his team were well aware of what they should expect. 

Melik-Shahnazaryan expressed hopes the detainees will be released on April 25 and will be back to the political field.  

All five detainees did lawyer up, according to the report. 

The law-enforcement bodies say additional information will be provided on further actions in investigating into the case. –0--