UJA condemns journalist Lilit Aghekyan's detention

The Union of Journalists of Armenia (UJA) has condemned the detention of journalist Lilit Aghekyan on charges of hooliganism. A statement released by UJA President Satik Seyranyan is provided below.

“Late on 8 May, it became known that journalist Lilit Aghekyan from Gyumri had been arrested, and then she was not allowed to meet her lawyer for a long time. Lilit Aghekyan's well-being had deteriorated, and emergency medical care was called for her, but that did not prevent her from being taken into custody and detained for a month.

Lilit Aghekyan was arrested within the framework of the initiated criminal proceedings, and as the Investigative Committee reports, she is charged with Part 1 of Article 297 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Armenia - hooliganism, and Part 2 of Article 489 - contempt of court.

Without trying to interfere in the criminal proceedings at all, it is worth noting that the investigative body's desire to detain a woman with an elderly parent to care for and known for her oppositional views is at least suspicious, when in much more extraordinary cases the law enforcement system does not do anything if the person committing the alleged criminal act is loyal to the government.

Was it not possible to ensure Lilit Aghekyan's proper behavior during the preliminary investigation by choosing another preventive measure not related to detention?

The Union of Journalists of Armenia will be consistent with the processes taking place around Lilit Aghekyan, and ultimately, the public should clearly know whether the reason for isolating her is not intended to limit Lilit Aghekyan's speech and activities.

It is obvious that the processes taking place around Lilit Aghekyan, who has an elderly mother to care for, have issues of legality, proportionality, and discriminatory treatment.

We appeal to our international partners and present the factual basis here so that you have a clear idea of what had happened. We are asking you to stand with your firm view and proper assessment of what happened.”