Epress.am News from Armenia
Opposition lawmakers kicked off the regular four-day session of the Armenian National Assembly (NA) on Monday by demanding that the Parliament react rapidly and appropriately to the politically motivated incarceration of civic activist Vardges Gaspari.
“The Parliament, as the highest authority in democracy, has the mandate of protecting human rights. Hence my appeal to you to ensure that the NA reacts rapidly and appropriately to the incarceration of activists who are being persecuted for their political beliefs. The year started with Gevorg Safaryan's imprisonment, followed by Vardges Gaspari's arrest two days ago only for protesting against the arbitrariness of the authorities.
“I propose to demand explanation regarding [Gaspari’s] unlawful imprisonment from the Police and the Prosecutor's Office on behalf of the Parliament and to present this information to the NA,” opposition Armenian National Congress (ANC) faction leader Levon Zurabyan stated,
NA Deputy Speaker Eduard Sharmazanov urged Zurabyan in reply not to take over the function of a judge or a prosecutor: “Once upon a time, unfortunately, there were political prisoners in Armenia; but those days are past now. As regards [Gaspari’s case], I'm sure law enforcement agencies will present their views. We have no right to interfere with the law. I urge you not to see political subtext in every issue. It is my deep conviction that there are no political motives in this matter.”
Opposition Heritage faction member Zaruhi Postanjyan, in turn, noted that the court issued an arrest warrant for Vardges Gaspari without having had given the opposition activist a chance to speak for himself, which, the lawmaker said, is a violation of the law. Postanjyan also called on her colleagues to take part in the rally in support of Gaspari, scheduled to be held Monday at 6 p. m. near the Presidential Palace.
ANC faction member, former political prisoner Nikol Pashinyan branded the grounds for Gaspari's arrest “questionable.” The oppositionist added that he had visited the arrested activist in prison and learned that Gaspari was suffering from health issues associated with high blood pressure and diabetes. “I believe his current incarceration to be torture. The charges against Gaspari envisage a maximum arrest term of 2–3 months. This fact gives rise to certain assumptions [about the motivation behind Gaspari’s arrest],” Pashinyan said.