IF YOU WANT TO LIVE YOU MUST KEEP SILENT

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“Why were you late for three minutes? Don’t you know that we miss you? We put off our affairs to meet you,” the watchmen guarding the entrance of the RA Prosecuracy welcomed the staff members of “Zhamanak Yerevan” newspaper with these words.

It is already 4 days the staff members gather opposite the Prosecuracy at 2:00 p.m. demanding to release Arman Babajanyan, editor-in-chief of the newspaper. Regardless of the Prosecuracy’s accusation against Arman Babajanyan Liza Tsagharyan representative of the newspaper staff is convinced that “It was clear from the very first day that Babajanyan’s arrest was determined by the fact that we initiated the publication of a rather oppositional newspaper.” Liza Tsagharyan didn’t speak of Babajanyan’s private life in contrast to the Prosecuracy. “I am convinced that Arman Babajanyan is not dangerous for the society. If he committed any crime let them reveal it and bring an action against him without keeping him in custody. Even in case Arman announces that he is guilty I am sure that his arrest is connected with the newspaper activity. Do they have a right to put a person into prison for document forgery if they don’t administer justice properly? Criminal authorities don’t have the right to sentence anyone.” Liza Tsagharyan finds that the Babajanyan’s examination without an advocate and the rumors about Babajanyan’s self-confess were deliberate.

At present the staff members of “Zhamanak Yervan” newspaper cannot say anything definitely about the case until Robert Gevorgyan, the advocate chosen by them meets Arman Babajanyan. The staff members will likely render a press release tomorrow to make the details public. Asked the question how she would comment on the passive participation of other mass media during today’s rally of complaint Liza Tsagharyan answered, “I am sorry for them. One day they may counter such problem too. We are moral people and we shall support them by all means.” By the way, Avetik Ishkhanyan, head of the Armenian Helsinki Committee is going to meet Arman Babajanyan. Avetik Ishkhanyan also thinks that Arman Babajanyan was arrested for his journalistic activity. “If he didn’t engage in journalism the corresponding bodies wouldn’t bring an action against him regardless of the fact whether he forged his documents or not. All these actions are against speech freedom.”