Epress.am News from Armenia
Suren Sirunyan, who was arrested in connection with the events of Mar. 1, 2008, and subsequently released in June 2009, informed the press that he submitted an appeal today to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) to withdraw his earlier appeal. Recall, Sirunyan is one of many opposition members who were arrested in the wake of riots following the disputed 2008 presidential election and who then appealed to the ECHR, asking for the court to recognize violations to their right to personal immunity.
Sirunyan today said with this decision he is expressing his complaint against the Armenian National Congress (HAK), which, according to Sirunyan, was dealing with the applications of former political prisoners (as they are referred to by the opposition).
Recent reports circulated in the media that his decision is due to being pressured by the ruling authorities are untrue, Sirunyan said, adding that his decision stems from a change in his political orientation.
“I find that the [Armenian National] Congress has withdrawn from the path it began in 2007. By retracting my [ECHR] appeal, I am expressing my complaint against this fact. This is a form of protest, just like the hunger strike or a sit in,” he said.
He said that he is disappointed with HAK, opining that devotees like himself have become tools — to fulfill the opposition bloc’s narrow private interests.
More than 10 HAK members will soon announce their official withdrawal from HAK, Sirunyan declared.
Asked who he’ll be backing in the upcoming parliamentary elections, Sirunyan said he won’t engage in politics until the elections are over.
“I won’t stand by any political party’s side in the parliamentary elections; moreover, I won’t be included in any party’s proportional list — in order to avoid various [types of] talk,” he said.
Note, Suren Sirunyan was former Yerevan mayor and former Minister of Internal Affairs Vano Siradeghyan’s head guard.
Photo: Aravot