According to the decision of the European Court of Human Rights, the Republic of Armenia will pay €31 thousand to Grisha Virabyan, a former supporter of the People’s Party of Armenia (PPA), as compensation for moral and physical damage. The following is the interview of www.aravot.am with G. Virabyan.
* Could you imagine 8 years ago that after 8 years, your case would not only be considered by the European Court, but you would actually win?
* Certainly, I am pleased after 8 years of waiting. I believed, I was convinced that I would win. I have always believed that I am innocent and the case with political overtones was made up post factum (he was beaten up by the police of the Ararat region in April 2004 for participating in rallies and with regard to the events related to the presidential election – R.M.).
Read also
* What status do you enjoy and where do you live today?
* I got a political asylum in Belgium as early as 3 years ago.
* Have your intentions changed after the judgment of the European Court, will you come to Armenia?
* Yes, I intend to. The government of Armenia has demanded me once and our ambassador here is worried.
* What does it mean “demanded,” are you wanted by the police?
* No, I am not. I don’t know, perhaps someone has used his diplomatic contacts and made a request to the Kingdom of Belgium, folks here responded that there was no Grisha Virabyan.
* Which of the party leaders, supporters from Armenia have congratulated you?
* My friends who have stood by me from the beginning have congratulated me. Hovik Arsenyan, a member of the Republic Party political council, has called me. And the PPA generally doesn’t want this to be published in the press, since they stated at the beginning that I am the government’s man. Now let everyone know that I have seen it through. They promised to give me the floor at every rally of Levon Ter-Petrossian, the PPA wouldn’t allow that, their leader would take offense like a woman.
* It is known that you have undergone serious surgery, has there been any need for medical treatment in Belgium?
* They solved many medical problems in the first year, now I am OK; I don’t have health problems.
* Mr. Virabyan, how do you feel after defeating the country, for which, as you say, you have struggled?
* I have mixed feelings of pride and sadness. I feel bad that I have defeated my country…. I feel bad that there is no law and order in my country and that the legal system will not learn a lesson from my victory.
On the other hand, I am proud that I have maintained my right and my dignity and was able to prove to those people who tried to desert and disgrace me carrying out the concrete instructions of the attorney.
I will be among the pioneers again and let them continue to eat from the government’s trough.
I wish Stepan Demirchyan and Stepan Zakaryan well. My place is in the square, I am not to blame that I am not next to my friends, please, don’t consider me absent.
* What other questions would you like me to ask?
* I would like to express my gratitude to all journalists who were concerned with my case, Anna Israyelyan, you, Karine Ashughyan, Taguhi Tovmasyan, Armine Ohanyan, Christine Barseghyan, first Human Rights Defender Larisa Alaverdyan and special thanks to Aram Zaven Sargsyan who said to me in the worst days of my life, “Grish, I couldn’t keep Armen out, they put him in prison, but I will shoot the last bullet for you,” and he stood by me. I haven’t won; Aram Zaven Sargsyan has won today.
Interviewed Ruzan MINASYAN
