US-Armenians demand jailed Israeli-Russian blogger’s release

Тhe Armenian National Committees of Greater Washington (ANC of GW) and New York (ANC of New York) held simultaneous protests in front of Belarus’ diplomatic missions in Washington, DC and New York City on Jan. 29, demanding the immediate and unconditional release of the Russian-Israeli blogger Alexander Lapshin, the Armenian Weekly reports.

Lapshin currently faces extradition from Belarus to Azerbaijan for traveling and reporting from Republic of Artsakh (Nagorno Karabagh/NKR) and speaking critically of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s dictatorial regime.  The gathered voiced their discontent and outrage over Azerbaijan’s continuous assault against free media and journalists over the past several years, with Lapshin being the latest victim.

“We condemn in the strongest terms any attempt to silence or intimidate journalists and individuals who travel to the free and independent Republic of Artsakh,” said ANCA Eastern Region Chairman Steve Mesrobian. “Azerbaijan and Belarus are two of Europe’s last remaining dictatorships and for us it is absolutely unacceptable to silence journalists for speaking up about human rights offences or for expressing their support for the free and democratic Republic of Artsakh. We also call upon the United States government to take a strong stance on this issue in solidarity with the people of Nagorno Karabagh Republic, our democratic and reliable ally in the region.”

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called on Belorussian authorities to unconditionally release Aleksandr Lapshin. “We call on Belarussian authorities to release the travel blogger without condition and allow him to return home,” stated CPJ Europe and Central Asia Program Coordinator Nina Ognianova.

The Washington protest was organized in coordination with the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Sebouh Committee and the Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) Ani chapter.  Similar protests have taken place at Belarus Embassies around the world.

“We have gathered here today in solidarity with Mr. Lapshin and with hundreds of other journalists who have been silenced by President Aliyev’s dictatorial regime,” said AYF Ani Chapter Chairman Aram Tramblian. “Media freedom is one of the cornerstones of any democracy. With Mr. Lapshin’s extradition, the Azerbaijani government hopes to quash future free and unfettered reporting about Artsakh—a dangerous precedent which we simply cannot allow.”