Armenian Writer Would Like to Keep Political Prisoners Imprisoned Longer

All political parties and groups, whether they be ruling or opposition, pursue the same aim, said writer, publicist Vahram Sahakyan, speaking to journalists in Yerevan today about the political situation in the country and touching upon the opposition rally to mark the third anniversary of the events of Mar. 1, 2008, when demonstrators were violently dispersed by police following contested presidential elections that resulted in 10 people dead and many more injured.

“You say there are political prisoners, tomorrow again they’ll be throwing their fists in the air, I don’t want to offend anyone, but one way or another I’m convinced that 95% of those political prisoners have become so that they may come into power [i.e. ruling authorities] and now, that they’re sitting in prison, that’s a very natural phenomenon,” he said.

Moreover, according to Sahakyan, there are people who are not sitting in prison and “that’s an unnatural phenomenon,” adding that if people are imprisoned, there must be a reason.

“If they have to gather on Mar. 1 and honor the memory of the victims, please [go ahead], but if they have to throw their fists in the air, again shouting the same worthless phrases, that’s simply laughable. I feel sorry for people who go, who rally. There hasn’t been such a political incident in the world where people win and get what they want, and the country’s situation improves with such rallies, obstreperousness, meaningless movements,” he said.

Sahakyan recalled the 90s, saying that today’s youth doesn’t remember those years.

“They’re all young, 18–20 year old, they can’t imagine how strong of a blow that was for our people, equal to the Holocaust. I think disciplinary work has to be carried out, but neither the government intends to do this (because they think only of themselves) nor the oppositions. Those leaders and Pygmies think about coming to power, and it’s very good that many, many political criminals haven’t been released from prison till now. If it was up to me, I would keep them in prison longer,” he said.