IN PROTECTION OF ARMAN BABAJANYAN
Support A1+!Today a group of journalists and NGOs issued an announcement in protection of Arman Babajanyan, editor-in-chief of “Yerevan Time” newspaper.
“The violations against the media representatives on the eve of the elections give ground for serious concerns.
We view the verdict brought in connection with Arman Babajanyan’s case within the framework of these violations and encroachments.
The verdict was unprecedented due to its seriousness and is rather harsh; it doesn’t go in line with the committed crime and its consequences. The verdict could have been milder taking into consideration the existing facts.
Besides, there was certain discrimination against the editor of “Yerevan Time” and the law on “citizens escaping from compulsory military service via and breeching the fixed order” was ignored. Under the above-mentioned law, any 27-year-old citizen escaping from compulsory military service can get identification card in case he pays the required money and avoid punishment.
Taking into account all the above-mentioned points, we can assume that Arman Babajanyan’s arrest was more connected with his work and political orientation.
Arman Babajanyan has appealed to the corresponding body dealing with the issues of 27-year-old citizens who escaped from military service from 1992-2005 with the request to apply the law in his case.
We join the announcement asking the Court of First Instance to re-view the verdict and to apply the above-mentioned law in Arman Babajanyan’s case.
Nikol Pashinyan, “Yerevan Time”
Gegham Nazaryan, “Hayk”
Shogher Matevosyan, “The Forth Power”
Vardan Haroutyunyan, advocate
Boris Navasardyan
Mesrop Haroutyunyan
Ashot Melikyan
Edik Baghdasaryan, “Investigative Journalists” NGO
Karen Hakobyan, “Hope” NGO
Seda Melikyan, “Spiritual Armenia” NGO
Lala Aslikyan, “Hope” NGO
Michael Danielyan, “Helsinki Assosiacion”
Zara Postanjyan, advocate
Ahot Atoyan, advocate
