Armenian society will make authorities release political prisoners

Armenia's Committee for the Protection of Political Prisoners and Persecuted People held a protest outside the building of Prosecutor General's Office in Yerevan today, demanding to release all the political prisoners.

The Committee has traditionally held such protests on Fridays since 2008 after many Armenian citizens were arrested, following the riots over the disputed presidential elections.

The wives, the relatives and the supporters of the imprisoned Armenian citizens were chanting "Free, independent Armenia," "Freedom to political prisoners" and "Release Nikol!" – the jailed Chief Editor of local Armenian daily Haykakan Zhamanak (Armenian Time).

At least 10 people are still kept in detention since 2008.

Opposition says they are kept in detention due to their political views. Authorities dismiss the claim, saying they ave been sentenced for various violations of law.

Talking to Tert.am, opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) activist Vahagn Khacharyan said that their steps aimed at releasing the political prisoners are bearing fruit.

"We are convinced that with our steps, with our actions we have chosen the path that is the best one for the state and for the future of the state," said he, adding that they will not quit their demands unless they have all the political prisoners released.

"We won't stop our fight. Both the authorities, the [General] Prosecotur's Office should realize that it is not in vain that we come here and shout, but it is really our principle [that brings us here]," he explained.

Talking to Tert.am, former political prisoner and the head of Democratic Homeland party, Petros Makeyan, in turn, said that the Armenian society too is already spending significant efforts to exerting pressure on the ruling authorities to have the political prisoners released.

"The process is moving down the path that the the socity seems to be getting active. I think the public pressure upon the authorities will be far stronger, and they [the authorities] are obliged to relase our friends," said he.

Anna Malkhasyan, another opposition representative who takes part in these protests since 2008, said that they are not tired of the fight and will continue demanding to set all the political prisoners free.

The protesters later marched to the PACE's and OSCE's offices in Yerevan and handed letters, demanding that they be consistent in following to what extent Armenian authorities fullfil their commitments.