Opposition demands independent medical expertise for Nikol Pashinyan

Opposition Armenian National Congress (HAK) has again voiced concerns over alleged provocations and threats against political prisoner, Editor-in-Chief of local Armenian daily Haykakan Zhamanak (Armenian Time) Nikol Pashinyan who currently serves his sentence in Kosh penitentiary in Aragatsotn marz (province).

"On the night of November 11, Nikol Pashinyan was attacked by masked individuals while sleeping. This time too, the burden of responsibility falls upon President Serzh Sargsyan, Minister of Justice Gevorg Danielyan and Head of that penitentiary Hayk Harutyunyan. They all will be held accountable under the law," reads a statement released by the HAK.

Further it says that the organizers of the operation were clever enough this time to wear masks to hide all the traces of the crime.
The opposition activists consider Justice Ministry's subsequent statement a disgraceful lie denying the absolute truth.

"In such conditions we call for an independent medical expertise with the involvement of the International Red Cross Committee representatives. We call on all local and international organizations dealing with human rights and freedom of speech and press, as well as all foreign representations in Armenia to urge Armenian authorities to comply with our demand and voice their concerns over the authorities' illegal programs and operations posing threat to Nikol Pashinyan's life. We call on everybody to join us on Friday, November 14 in the rally to be organized in front of General Prosecutor's Office," reads the release.