Activist Lala Aslikyan believes that when joining the Customs Union (CU), the persecution of homosexuals in Armenia will increase. “If we are yielding to Russia’s pressure, then everyone’s rights are further limited, especially the homosexuals’. Because the society has a taboo mind in this issue. Mostly, people have the same mentality in this issue as Putin, in other words, homosexuals should be persecuted”, – said Lala Aslikyan to Aravot.am.
She told us that, yesterday, at the rally against CU, other participants of the rally attacked her and her supporters for 7-8 times for taking the famous rainbow flag from her hands. “We did not give the flag. The flag in my hands symbolized the LGBT community. I wanted to show with it that people are free and have equal rights, no matter what sexual orientation they have, they are free in their sexuality.” Lala also said that there was no prior arrangements with anyone that they would not participate in the protest march. As it was claimed by one of the young members of “Hayazn Union” party, who had entered into a dispute with Lala and her friends. “Hayazn Union” party members were also spitting on us during the rally on Diversity, they were beating us, and, in fact, they are not punished until now, I had decided I would take part in the march, which was attended by “Hayazn Union” party, if I am go with a rainbow flag. And, if I am going to be considered as an attendee, I had decided not to participate. I took part in yesterday’s rally and showed that I am against the Customs Union, because the rights of homosexuals is strongly violated in its member states, and I went with the Rainbow flag. There was an arrangement with anybody, I do not make arrangements with the fascists. If they did not want to attend, let them announce that everyone can come, except for a person, everyone can shout free independent Armenia, except Lala Aslikyan… yesterday, I have realized my right.” According to Lala, the flags raised by them yesterday were not only for the rights of homosexuals, but the sexual freedom, in general. She also said that yesterday on the way to be apprehended by the police, she and her friend, Sevak, were not resorted to violence by the police officers, the police only kicked on their feet. “They were kicking and quietly looking at our faces, they did the same to Sevak, they also broke his glasses.” Lala Aslikyan and her friend were taken to the Police station for not executing the legal demand of the police in compliance with RA Code of Administrative Offences, Article 182. “However, there was no demand made, we were sitting on North Avenue, they took us without being introduced, without reason.”
The video, Yerkir.am
Arpine SIMONYAN
