Protesters condemn political repressions outside Armenian parliament

Members of the Republican Party of Armenia’s youth and student wings, along with young activists from other political and civic groups, on Wednesday held a protest outside the National Assembly as delegates arrived for the 12th Ordinary Session of the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly.

The protesters carried posters calling for the release of political prisoners in Armenia and Armenian captives held in Baku, which featured photos of detained clergymen, activists and opposition members.

“Unfortunately, these pickets are increasing because political persecutions are intensifying,” RPA member Henrikh Danielyan said, accusing the authorities of jailing people for their opinions. He criticized European institutions for remaining silent, saying, “Armenian citizens will not accept these repressions or Europe’s inaction.”

MP Anna Mkrtchyan of the opposition Pativ Unem faction addressed the Euronest participants in English, asking whether “double standards” and “narrow political interests” outweighed democracy and free speech. She stressed thousands had been arrested over the past seven years, many for criticizing Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government.