The event on Armenia`s Political Prisoners Problem was held in Paris on 18 December, Sunday. The conference, debates, exhibition and concert were held within the event organized by the `Renaissance Arménienne Paris` and Support Committee for `political prisoners` in Armenia.

The event titled `Today`s Armenia: Focusing on the political prisoners` covered the discussion of the following topics, AzVision.az reports:

- Why are there political prisoners in Armenia?
- What are they charged with? What do they jeopardize?
- Who are they?
- Are courts independent?
- What does government want to get?
- How do their families live?
- How to support them?

In her speech, Myriam Gaume, the independent journalist talked about her meeting with family members of `Sassoun Rebels` in the conference.

Furthermore, Garik Khatchatryan, a fellow-soldier of Jirayr Sefilian and Pavlik Manukyan who fought in Karabakh, a member of ` Parlement Fondateur` and a head of the Belgium office of `Renaissance Arménienne` delivered a speech.



Myriam Gaume, the independent journalist tried to meet with the families of `Sasna Tser` group members, during her visit to Armenia on Sept, 2016. Pointing out the photos and biographies of the Armenian political prisoners which were demonstrated in the exhibition, Myriam Gaume said that these works encourage us to hearten each of their stories. I have met with 3 families. One of them was Geurillan`s. I have also met with a father of 3 prisoners. Their stories reflect the recent incidents happened in Armenia. The eldest son of the family was arrested for the collaboration with Shant Harutyunyan.

Besides, in response to the question on the independent operation of courts in Armenia, was replied `of course, no`.



The photos and biographies (in French and Armenian) of the political prisoners were demonstrated in the event venue.

Below, the list of political prisoners in Armenia is presented:

At least 78 political prisoners (below the 1st, 3th, 5th, 8th, 9th, 10th and 12th lists), 17 politically persecuted people (32-40 suspects and defendants in the events of Nork Marash are not taken into account)

1. Arrested members of `Sasna Tsrer` - 28 people

Pavel Manoukian
Tikrane Manoukian
Kakig Yeghiazarian
Areg Gureghian
Aram Hakobian
Armen Lambarian
S. Barseghian
Edward Grigorian
Armen Bilian
Varoujan Avetissian
Mkhitar Avetissian
Ashot Betrossian
Toros Torosian
Vardan Geravetian
Kevork Iritsian
M. Nazarian
Arayik Khandoian
Sergey Gureghian
M. Hakobian
Arthur Soghomonian
Hovhannes Haroutunian
Hovhannes Vardanian
Ara Hakobian
Arthur Melko Nian
Garnik Hovakimyan
Aram Manukian
Dikran Sarkissian:
Tatoul Thamrazian

2. The members of Sasna Tsrer who are in freedom - 3 people (the charges against them remain in force)

Roupen Grigorian
Kevork Melkonian
Edgar Soghomonian

3. Supporters of Sasna Tsrer – 7 people

Arthur Sarkissian
Garo Yeghnoukian
Nerses Kevorkian
Khatchadour Gichian
V. Kevorkian (War veteran who went on hunger strike for 44 days)
Manouel Adoian (remains in pre-trial detention)
Achod Mouradian (decision to change the preventive measure on bail exist but remains in pre-trial detention)

4. Supporters of Sasna Tsrer, who are currently in freedom (charges against them remain valid) - 7 people

Karen Hakobian
Martin Vardanian (released on bail)
Mher Mazmanian (released on bail)
Saro Ayvazian (released on bail)
Sergey Hakobian (released on bail)
Vartan Balian
Alec Yenikomchian

5. Victims of police atrocities on 20 July in Khorenatsi Street and 29 July in Saritagh and accussed of `mass disorder` - 13 people

Andreas Ghougassian
David Hovhannesian
Ararat Khandoian
Hovhannes Ghazarian
M. Aroustamian
Haig Hovhannesian
Albert Avagian
Arman Mkhitarian
Nareg Sargsian
Soso Margaian
Dikran Avakian
Kakig Mikayelian
Arsen Mkrtchian

6. 5 people were the victims of police violation and were accused of "mass disorder" on 20 July in Khorenatsi Street and 29 July in Saritagh. They were released but charges against them remain in force:

Armen Martirosian (released on bail)
David Sanasarian (released on bail)
Hovsep Khourchoudian (released on bail)
Vahakn Ghoumashian
Levon Asatrian

7. 2 people were sentenced on 20 and 29 July:

Areg Sadoian (on bail for 3 years)
Rafael Gharakiozian (on bail for 3 years)

8. 9 people were arrested during the clashes between the residents and the police in Saritagh, on 19 July. (list is not complete)

Sarkis Arabachian
Karen Vanoian
Hrayr Isakhanian
Jora Avetisian
Armen Atamian
Haroutioun Torosian
Edward Zeitounian
Antranig Keuseian
Hratchia. Boyajian

9. The group of Jirayr Sefilian and his friends - 9 people

Jirayr Sefilian
Sasounik Kirakosyan
Hrayr Topchian
Nerses Poghosian
Kalouste Krikorian
Hovhannes Petrosian
Arthur Movsisian

10. The group of Shant Harutyunyan and Friends- 8 people

Shant Haroutounian
Vahe Mkrtchian
Vardan Vardanian
Alex Boghossian
Albert Markarian
Avet Avetisian
Libarit Bedrossian
Mgerditch Hovhanessian

11. After the investigation of Shant Harutyunyan`s group, 5 people released:

Sevak Mnatsaganian
Dikran Bedrossian
Armen Hovhannesian
Misak Arakelian
Haig Haroutounian

12. Political prisoners detained at various times - 4 people

Volodia Avetisian
Haig Gureghian
Kevork Safarian
Armen Mikaelian (Released on bail, judgment in process, )

13- Still being persecuted for the political reasons:

Karekin Tchoukasezian

14. Case of Tro -2 people

15. Nork-Marash - 32-40 people

At least 78 people were arrested and imprisoned except Tro`s friends, those in Nork-Marash and Souren Bedrossian cases.

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