Opposition slams authorities over 'violations' against jailed journalist Nikol Pashinyan

In statement released late on Thursday opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) slammed Armenia's ruling authorities, accusing them of organizing the alleged violations against jailed Chief Editor of local Armenian daily Haykakan Zhamanak (Armenian Times) Nikol Pashinyan.

It comes amid widespread reports in Armenian media saying Pashinyan was threatened to quit his professional activities.

Nikol Pashinyan is currently serving his sentence in Kosh penitentiary. He was jailed for "organizing mass disorder" in the country following the disputed presidential elections in 2008 and reportedly continues his editorial activities from the penitentiary.

"The next encroachment has been perpetrated against political prisoner, Chief Editor of Haykakan Zhamanak daily Nikol Pashinyan at the penitentiary. This comes as the second case after the disclosure and prevention of another similar plot masterminded by authorities a month ago. There is no doubt that this miserable act of threat has been instructed and implemented by the leaders of the regime, personally upon instructions by [president] Serzh Sargsyan," reads the statement.

Further it says that unable to intervene in Pashinyan's journalistic activities legally, the authorities continue to use criminal methods.

"This is only one part of a whole circle of 'warning' terroristic measures recently used by authorities against Haykakan Zhamanak aimed at silencing the media, restricting the freedom of speech," reads the statement.

It also says that there are some rumors that the authorities are planning to file lawsuits against the daily as it publishes numerous articles revealing "criminal ties among top officials and oligarchs" in Armenia.

Further the HAK calls on Armenia, as well as on international human rights organizations to raise their voice in protection of encroachment on freedom of speech, in support of stopping and preventing "the dirtiest campaign launched by authorities against internationally recognized political prisoner."