They were participating in the procession organized for Jirayr Seifilian, the coordinator of the “Union of Armenian Volunteers” initiative and Vardan Malkhasian, the member of “Homeland and Honor” Party.
It was surprising enough to see Israel Hakobkokhian, the former world-boxing champion, among the participants of the procession in front of the House of Chamber Music. We had the following conversation: ‘Mr. Hakobkokhian, You are here…”, but he interrupted: “I’m not a mister, I’m a laborer”. We continued our conversation: “Laborer Hakobkokhian, have you been invited to this meeting?” This time he answered: “No, nobody has invited me. I simply feel a pain when the Armenian hero may be condemned for some words. But today everybody speaks without any punishment. And the Armenian hero doesn’t have Armenian nationality. Just for this anxiety I have come.”
It was also surprising to see not only the NDU administration members but also one of the “Alternative” initiatives, Petros Makeyan, the leader of “Democratic Homeland” Party. Maybe he is for the way of struggle, which were sounded during the congress of “The Union of Armenian Volunteers”. “ I myself isn’t for that way of struggle, – Mr. Makeyan answered. – But the problem of human rights is actual and prior in Armenia, and I’m for it. This has no connection with their ways of struggle. Besides, Vardan Malkhasian is one of my friends”.
Seyfilian’s defender Vahe Grigorian was also participating in the meeting. In answer to our question about the process of investigation he said: “Jirayr doesn’t testify, and I don’t know who is interrogated. In my opinion, the investigation body is passive enough.” The advocate also informed that the date of Seyfilian’s arrest would be expired on February 10, and the investigation body had also turned to the Court of first instance to postpone the date of arrest till April 10.
Toros Seyfilian told the journalists that he had seen his brother twice; he was in a normal condition. Toros Seyfilian wanted to meet with Robert Kocharian and Serge Sargsian: “They delay for a week. They don’t refuse but don’t also accept. They say, wait a little”.
A small demonstration was held in front of House of Chamber Music where Samvel Haroutiunian, the founder member of “Union of Armenian Volunteers” public initiative, Vardan Khachatrian, the president of city council of “Heritage” Party, Academician Lenser Aghalovian made their speeches.
The participants moved to the building of National Security Service, then to the Republic Square where a short meeting was held in front of the Building of Government.