The Heritage Party welcomed the pre-trial release of its
leaders Armen Martirosyan, David Sanasaryan, and Hovsep Khurhsudyan
this week. Still, it noted that activist Andrias Ghukasyan remains
behind bars. Also, instead of dismissing the cases completely (the
citizens were taking part in constitutionally-mandated peaceful
protests), the prosecution merely released them on a posting of bail,
keeping the cases in tack. Meanwhile, hundreds of instances of police
brutality have gone unpunished. Heritage demands dropping all
trumped-up charges against its members, and demands the release of all
political prisoners including Ghukasyan. This political persecution
has compelled Heritage to suspend its campaigns in the towns of Giumri
and Vanadzor, where traditionally it has held significant sway.
On an unrelated note, the Heritage Party expresses its condolences to
the family and colleagues of long-time human rights activist Mikayel
Danielyan who passed away recently. May they continue his struggle
for a better Armenia.