Armenian Pressure Group Promises ‘Tantamount Counterstrike’ to Intimidators

There have been various attempts at terror, persecution, and pressure on the Dem Em ("I am against") initiative protesting  the mandatory component of the new pension system. In a statement issued today [AM], the pressure group notes that it wants to draw "the attention of law enforcement agencies, local and international human rights organizations, civil society organizations and the entire public" to this reality.

"We declare that any attempt to intimidate any member of the Dem Em initiative, unknown or unwelcome individuals visiting their apartments or unduly attempting to get information about them from neighbors and acquaintances, persecution by alleged members of this or that security or police personnel with a car or otherwise in civilian clothing, the use of 'neighborhood criminals' or bullies and hooligan resources, any physical threat, psychological pressure by phone, letters or any other way, will be perceived as an infringement on the Dem Em initiative and the entire supporting public. 

"Even in the case of the slightest attempt at harassment or intimidation, the intimidator individual or group will receive a tantamount counterstrike, if no action is taken by the Republic of Armenia's law enforcement bodies to suppress these attempts, identify the perpetrators, and hold them accountable," reads the statement.