Former Armenian mayor calls for action from prison

Jailed former Masis Mayor Davit Hambardzumyan, currently held in Nubarashen prison, on Friday issued a message urging Armenians to stand up and defend the country, its church and people.

Addressing recent parliamentary hearings on political prisoners and their violated rights, Hambardzumyan expressed gratitude to organizers and participants, calling the hearings “an important event highlighting the core issues facing Armenia”. He welcomed the recent release of opposition activist Lidya Mantashyan, describing it as a “victory” for human rights.

Hambardzumyan warned that Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s government poses a “deadly threat” to the state and called for its removal. He emphasized the need for a united opposition and continued efforts to protect political freedoms and achieve reforms.

“Let us not stray from this path and work purposefully to achieve victory,” the ex-mayor concluded.