“Founding Parliament” Members Released From Prison on Own Recognizance

Five members of the "Founding Parliament" opposition movement arrested on April 7, including Jirair Sefilyan, the leader of the movement; activist Gevorg Safaryan; Varuzhan Avetisyan, the Deputy Chairman of the movement; activist Pavel Manukyan; and Garegin Chukaszyan, the Chairman of the movement, were released from prison on their own recognizance, signing a no flight affidavit, the RA General Prosecutor's Office reported on Monday, May 4.

A Case files' review was conducted by prosecutor V. Poghosyan which revealed that the oppositionists were planning to organize mass disturbances and riots during the public events organized on the territory of the Republic of Armenia on April 24, 2015, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. However, these acts were prevented by law enforcement officers, the official body said.

As a result, based on the supervising prosecutor's decision, the two-month prison sentence was overturned, and the “Founding Parliament” members were released on their own recognizance. 

The decision was made taking into account the fact that the Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day has passed, and the above-mentioned persons have failed to bring the crime to its end. During the preliminary investigation all necessary urgent investigative actions have been carried out, and the latter being at large will be unable to prevent the pre-trial investigation of the case, the prosecutor's office said.

Recall, the members of “Founding Parliament” opposition movement were detained on April 7, and charged with organization of mass disorder (RA Criminal Code Article 225 Section 1) on April 9. They were sentenced to a two-month imprisonment. 

Aram Hakobyan, sixth member of “Founding Parliament," was charged with illegal procurement, transportation or carrying of weapons, ammunition, explosives or explosive devices, and was released on bail.